Mr. Panagiotopoulos stated that there is a strong fear of the risk of migrants being trapped in the receiving countries, underlining the need for strict guarding of the European borders. “We must ensure the guarding of the European borders,” he said, emphasizing the priority of security at the external borders of the European Union.
In addition, he stated that there is no question of mass returns of illegal immigrants from Germany to Greece. The Minister emphasized that Greece requests the implementation of the framework of the European Union’s agreements on immigration, as there are technical and legal issues that must be resolved. German authorities have admitted that they face technical and legal problems with the management of refugees and migrants in their country.
Afterwards, the Minister of Immigration and Asylum Nikos Panagiotopoulos emphasized that the returns from Germany to Greece are not going to happen en masse, despite any concerns that have arisen. In particular, he underlined: “No, I do not bring returns of thousands. The Prime Minister has unequivocally cut it off the other day.”
Mr. Panagiotopoulos explained that the matter was discussed in detail with the German partners during his recent visit to Berlin, where he met with the leadership of the German Ministry of the Interior and Immigration. The discussion mainly concerned the security reasons cited by the Germans for the imposition of additional border controls. “Did anyone realize that Germany had border controls during the Euros for security reasons? No, it wasn’t an issue then. But now the issue arises because of the great political pressure exerted on the Solz government, which suddenly and perhaps somewhat belatedly realizes that the percentages of the extreme right, as reflected in the recent elections in the two states and possibly reflected tomorrow in the next local elections in state of Brandenburg, have been launched.” “This is not about closing borders, but about imposing additional controls,” the minister said, noting that this practice is already being implemented by Germany with some Central European countries, such as the Czech Republic and Slovakia, and is now being expanded.
Mr. Panagiotopoulos also underlined that the returns of refugees from Germany, who have received asylum in Greece, are provided for by European legislation. However, he emphasized that the issue is not about mass returns and that the Greek government is closely monitoring the developments, pointing out that there is a general political shift in Europe towards stricter immigration rules.
“Where there are elections, they feel some insecurity about rampant illegal immigration. This exists and I think we should also take the messages and see what adjustments we need to make, but without circumventing the spirit of Schengen, i.e. open borders. (…) Not every country can do what they want,” he said.
The Minister emphasized that it is vital to ensure the cohesion of the European Union on the immigration issue, with stricter controls and coordinated policies, without compromising the Schengen Treaty. “We do not want to see Europe close its borders, but to find solutions that will answer the concerns of the citizens, without breaking up European unity and solidarity.”
Regarding the construction of the Evros fence, Mr. Panagiotopoulos confirmed that the project will continue regardless of funding. “Whether with European or national money, the fence will continue to be built,” he underlined.
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