Press Releases

In 2020, we jointly established the systematic cooperation of MED5, the countries who are faced daily with the serious consequences of the European migration crisis.

I would like to thank the Minister of Interior, Mr Nicos Nouris, on the successful organization of the fourth consecutive Summit, which demonstrates the significance attached to the issue of migration in creating a new common forefront for the management of this severe issue.

The Summit constituted a first class opportunity to coordinate our national positions in view of the Ministerial Conference to take place in Luxemburg, next week.

At the centre of our discussions were the recent developments as regards negotiations on the new Pact of Migration and Asylum.

The common stance of the Mediterranean states is clear: The successful conclusion of negotiations depends on achieving a balance between the management responsibility carried by the states of first reception and the necessary solidarity which other EU member states should demonstrate.

A migration management system is functional only if it safeguards the just and immediate distribution of the burden of managing the migrant flows.

We communicated to the Czech presidency the stance of Greece as regards the need to create an obligatory, legally binding mechanism of relocations.

Allow me to thank the Minister of Interior of the Czech Republic, Mr Rakušan for his participation in the Summit and his sincere interest in the positions of the Mediterranean states.

In addition to solidarity, however, the safety of the external EU borders should also be safeguarded.

Turkey’s attempt to instrumentalize the migration issue and her refusal to fulfil her obligations which stem from the common EU-Turkey declaration of 2016, creates anxiety and concern. The same goes as regards her provocative revisionist rhetoric does.

The time has come for the EU to collectively and in coordination demand that Turkey controls her borders, to prevent illegal departures from her territory and take measures against illegal traffickers, as is her duty to do so.

At the same time, the returns process to Turkey must resume, on the basis of the said Declaration. In any case, Greece remains committed to the protection of her borders as demanded by International Law.

Dear Nicos,

Please accept my sincere thanks for the excellent hospitality in Pafos as well as for the opportunity provided for shaping a common path as regards the continuation of negotiations. 

(EP/NG/IK)