Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 16-09-27

Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

From: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] EU's Verwey notes Greece's progress and problems in handling refugee crisis

[01] EU's Verwey notes Greece's progress and problems in handling refugee crisis

"The situation in Greece has greatly improved in the past year," he said and noted the good and close cooperation with Greek authorities which has improved with the passage of time. He also said that the EU-Turkey deal is not at risk, noting that both Turkey and the EU are focused on implementing it.

According to European Commission data collected over the past year, returns to Turkey have increased significantly from just eight in 2015 to 676 after the signing of the deal, while refugee arrivals have dropped from 5,000 per day on average to 100.

Greece has also built infrastructure to permanently house 60,000 people in Greece while the country is improving its absorption of EU funds.

He said Brussels see great delays in the appeals process for asylum, which he said is responsible in part for the crowded conditions of the island hotspots and the violent incidents.

Verwey also said that out of the 60,000 refugees in Greece today, only 24,000 are eligible for relocation to the EU, while a total of about 4,000 relocations have taken place so far.

Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article