EU coordinator blames Greek authorities for refugee conditions on Aegean islands

December 28, 2017
Written by E.Tsiliopoulos

The co-ordinator of the European Union on the implementation of the EU-Turkey agreement on immigration Maarten Purvey has thrown the ball of responsibility for the situation in the refugee camp in Moria, Lesvos, to the court of "competent Greek authorities".

The new accusations come a few days after Deutsche Welle released a video recording the "wretched living conditions" in the camp.

According to New Europe, Maarten Purvey said: "The European Commission has provided funding to ensure adequate housing for all. However, the Commission can not order the creation or extension of reception capacity, unlike the competent authorities. "

In this context, the EU coordinator blamed both Athens and local authorities for the situation in the islands of Lesvos and Chios.

Among other things, the EU spokesman admits that the main problem of immigration in Greece is still the accumulation of thousands of immigrants in the hotspots. Thus, in order to achieve a viable solution, a more effective return policy is required. "

According to the latest report published by the Ministry of Migration, 7,373 refugees are currently on the island of Lesbos. While only 3,253 people can be accommodated on the island, the settlement in Moria is home to 5,885 immigrants.

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