The Greek government, as well as Europe, share huge responsibilities. The government's rhetoric, before and after the elections held in January, signaled to smugglers that access to Europe, through Greece, would be easy. The lack of plan and preparation on how to handle this issue generated a state of chaos, which spread in the countries of the Balkan passageway to Germany. The government even failed to deliver what was obvious. To highlight the issue in the EU and claim tangible aid from our partners, by presenting a specific plan. It is suffice to say that, till September 2015, the government had not bothered to establish the responsible Managing Authority, so that the available funds of the EU on migration can be absorbed.
The Reality
The total number of refugees and migrants, who have entered the Greek territory since the beginning of the year, is estimated to have exceeded the half-million mark.
According to police authorities, from the beginning of the year until the end of October, 422.000 migrants and refugees have arrived on the Greek islands. That is 12 times higher compared with the number recorded in 2014, i.e. 29.660 (rise estimated around 1.215,35%).
Lesvos alone, the population of which rises to 85.000 people, received this year 200.000 refugees and migrants, compared with 8.000 received last year. Samos, the population of which rises to 30.000, received 60.000 people, compared with 5.000 received last year.
It is clear that Greece was not prepared, or able to handle this human wave trying to reach Western Europe. The superhuman effort of the citizens, volunteers and staff of the drained state services is not enough.
Who's to blame?
The Greek government, as well as Europe, share huge responsibilities. The government's rhetoric, before and after the elections held in January, signaled to smugglers that access to Europe, through Greece, would be easy. The lack of plan and preparation on how to handle this issue generated a state of chaos, which spread in the countries of the Balkan passageway to Germany. The government even failed to deliver what was obvious. To highlight the issue in the EU and claim tangible aid from our partners, by presenting a specific plan. It is suffice to say that, till September 2015, the government had not bothered to establish the responsible Managing Authority, so that the available funds of the EU on migration can be absorbed.
European institutions, on the other hand, were late to realize the seriousness of the situation. On top of that, they failed to see the bigger picture. This problem must not be tackled separately by each country. On the contrary, a Common Policy must be established, engaging all countries in the wider region. The European Union has not put adequate pressure on Turkey, in an effort to protect various sectoral, national and economic interests. Yet, the lack of cooperation from the Turkish side puts in peril the European “acquis”, Schengen, the right of free movement of persons in the EU, etc.
10 proposals by Potami
In order to prevent innocent people from getting drown in the Aegean, we must restrain migration flows within Turkey. We need to give these people alternatives, for a decent living close to their country, as is stipulated by International Law, as well as humanitarian principles.
The EU must take action, towards:
1. Reinforce FRONTEX's Poseidon Sea Operation, in the Aegean, with floating means and crews from the European Union, especially from Germany, France and UK. Reallocation of means from Operation Triton (which operates in Central Mediterranean) must also be considered.
2. Turkey must carry out thorough control in its inland and coastline.
3. Providing Turkey with adequate funds, in order to host refugees, though under strict European supervision.
4. A number of refugees must be resettled directly from Turkey to all EU Member States, on the basis of a fair distribution.
5. Turkey's geographical restriction of the Geneva Convention on Refugees must be lifted, so that it can grant asylum to Syrians – Refugees in Turkey should be granted the right to work.
6. Arab countries must be urged to contribute to hosting refugees.
The Greek government should respectively:
1. Appoint a Local Commissioner on Refugees on each island or border crossing point under pressure. This person will be in charge, so that state institutions, NGOs and local authorities can act in coordination. The guiding principle should be granting refugees humanitarian aid, while protecting local societies.
2. Establish three hot spots on the islands (Lesvos, Chios, Samos) and three on the respective Turkish coastline, for the temporary lodging of a total number of 90.000 people (for 15 to 20 days). Emphasis should be given to families with children, unaccompanied underage refugees and vulnerable social groups.
3. Regain efficient control of the sea borders, through reinforcing the Hellenic Coastguard.
4. Involve the military in the alleviation of refugees, especially with regards to healthcare and creation of camps.
5. Call for the convention of a European Union Summit, in Thessaloniki, with the participation of Turkey, as well as other involved countries, such as the USA and Russia, aiming at a comprehensive approach of the Refugee Issue in the Mediterranean and Europe's Eastern borders.
