rights defenders as traitors, security threats and enemies of the State; or as criminals involved in smuggling and organized crime. This research shows that unless EU and Greek authorities finally put an end to these illegal migration and border policies, they will only become more violent and widespread. Just like pushbacks and criminalization of HRDs, impunity, institutional inaction and lack of accountability undermine European values, the rule of law and violate EU and international law. Pushbacks and border violence are, and have been for many years, a symptom of a broken European asylum policy, which will only be remedied when the EU and its member states establish a fair and mandatory solidarity mechanism that prioritizes relocation, as well as safe and regular routes for individuals seeking protection in Europe. In the short term, swift action must be taken to end these illegal practices, including the establishment of truly independent and effective border monitoring mechanisms as well as infringement proceedings when Member States systematically violate refugees’ and asylum seekers rights. Recent developments have shown that this is possible in practice, and we hope that this is merely a first step toward a wider re-commitment to upholding human rights and defending civic space in Europe. AT EUROPE’S BORDERS: BETWEEN IMPUNITY AND CRIMINALIZATION 47