EPP Group mission to Greece backs common EU solution to migrant crisis

An EPP Group delegation today concluded a fact-finding mission on the situation of refugees in Greece. Our MEPs met with the Greek authorities and EU representatives working in the area to assess the European response to the current migration crisis and the implementation of the EU-Turkey agreement for the management of migration flows.

Our MEPs, who visited the refugee camp of Elliniko as well as the Moria hotspot, insisted that a European response is necessary to manage this crisis.

EPP Group Vice-Chairman responsible for legal and home affairs, Esteban González Pons, said that "Greece is now more prepared to receive immigrants and is working together with the European agencies, with NGOs and UNHCR. Also, the agreement between the EU and Turkey is working and has reduced the number of immigrants reaching Greek coasts."

"However, real collaboration between all EU Member States is needed, because immigrants not only reach Greek territory, but are in Europe as a whole. This tragedy affects all countries,” added González Pons.

“The migration issue is primarily a European problem. The slow relocation process across Europe raises great concerns about the future of refugees in the overburdened Member States," added Greek MEP Eliza Vozemberg, outlining that: “What we have witnessed in the refugee camps in Greece is an emergency situation, which needs to be tackled in the spirit of solidarity.”

“We all agree that the EU-Turkey Statement is helpful in continuing to break the business model of smugglers and offer migrants an alternative to putting their lives at risk. The EPP Group stands united for a common European solution,” she added.

Jeroen Lenaers, Agustín Diaz de Mera and Teresa Jiménez-Becerril MEPs were also members of the EPP Group Delegation to Greece.