EU General Court rules against Syrian refugees in landmark case against Frontex

The EU General Court has dismissed a landmark case brought by a Syrian refugee family against Frontex, the EU's border guard agency. The family sought damages after being deported to Turkey from Greece in 2016. The court ruled that Frontex cannot be held liable for damages as it does not have the power to assess asylum applications. The ruling has raised concerns about Frontex's mandate and accountability, with experts suggesting it contradicts human rights provisions. The family's lawyers plan to consider further legal steps, and human rights activists hoped the case would set a precedent. This comes as asylum claims in the EU have risen by 30% in the first half of 2023.