Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis stressed that "a fair migration policy does not mean open or non-existent borders but rules" when speaking on Monday at an event on "European Solutions to the Common Challenge of Migration."
"A fair migration policy does not mean open or non-existent borders, but rules. And we observed these rules in 2020 against the instrumentalisation of the refugee crisis," Mitsotakis said.
Attending the event were, among others, Vice President of the European Commission Margaritis Schinas, the European Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson and ambassadors of EU countries.
The prime minister, who met with the European Commissioner earlier, pointed out that a European solution to the migration problem is needed.
He emphasised that the management of the problem will judge the credibility of the EU, adding that it must be proven in practice whether the EU knows how to translate its declarations into an effective policy.
Mitsotakis emphasised that guarding its borders is non-negotiable for Greece.
"An opponent of the state is anyone who is illegal," the prime minister said, adding that illegal migrant flows in 2023 were much smaller than in previous years, and the government managed the problem much better than other European countries.
He pointed out that our country is often an intermediate station, and the final goal of migrants is to go to the countries of northern Europe, stressing Greece's role in guarding the eastern land and sea European borders.
Greece applies a strict but fair migration policy, Marinakis says
Government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis started the press briefing on Monday referencing the recent meeting between Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
"Mitsotakis and Binken talked about international and regional issues with a focus on developments in the Middle East, given the important role our country plays in peace and stability in the wider region."
Due to the growing humanitarian crisis, the prime minister stressed the need for an unhindered flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
"The developments in the wider region of the Eastern Mediterranean were also discussed, with the Prime Minister reiterating Greece's firm and timeless position in favour of the peaceful resolution of disputes and good neighbourly relations based on international law, as well as the situation in Ukraine. During the meeting, a comprehensive overview of Greek-US relations was made," Marinakis said.
The spokesperson also referred to the Prime Minister's meeting with the European Commissioner for Internal Affairs, Ylva Johansson.
"Migration is a key issue for Greece, as a country of first reception, and the prime minister has reiterated the need for more efficient management and an increase in resources to deal with it," he stressed.
"Greece implements a strict but fair migration policy by reducing migration flows, shielding its borders, the borders of Europe, always with absolute respect for human rights and the rules of international law," Marinakis added.
The government spokesperson also announced that a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis will be held on Tuesday, January 9, at 11 am.
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