Germany reports minimal deportations to Italy and Greece under GEAS

Since the implementation of the Common European Asylum System (GEAS) in June 2026, Germany has deported only four asylum seekers to Italy and Greece. According to data from the Federal Ministry of the Interior, provided in response to an inquiry by the AfD, two individuals were returned to Italy and two to Greece.

This small number of deportations stands in stark contrast to hundreds of cases where the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (Bamf) determined that Italy or Greece held responsibility for the asylum seekers in question. While the GEAS reform was intended to streamline migration management and relieve pressure on primary arrival countries, practical implementation has faced significant hurdles.

Historically, Italy and Greece have frequently blocked the return of migrants. Despite the new system, reports indicate that Italy has not altered its policy regarding the acceptance of undocumented migrants from other EU member states. The Ministry of the Interior has not yet provided specific reasons for the low number of successful transfers or a strategy to increase these figures in the future.