Greece’s Migration Minister, Nikos Papadopoulos, said that Greece wants the spirit of the Schengen Agreement to be respected.
Papadopoulos’ comments came following Germany’s decision to introduce controls at all its land borders in order to combat irregular migration.
To my German colleague, I emphasised that the spirit of the Schengen Treaties and the European Pact on Migration and Asylum must be respected in order not to be led down roads which would cause unilateral actions and thus put risk, not only the spirit of Schengen and the European Pact on Migration and Asylum but also the very spirit of the European Union at risk.
The Minister said that Germany’s decision to impose border controls has something to do with the government coming under pressure due to migration issues.
Greek PM Criticises Germany’s Border Controls Introduction
Since September 16, Germany has initiated border controls as part of efforts to halt irregular measures. The country’s authorities argued that such a measure is showing results.
However, the move sparked controversies in the EU. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis also criticised the decision of Germany, stressing that it would burden frontline states such as the Hellenic Republic.
He said the response cannot be unilaterally scrapping Schengen and dropping the ball to other states that sit on Europe’s external borders.
Greece to Boost Security at Border With Türkiye
According to a report from Kathimerini, following Germany’s decision to introduce controls at all its land borders, authorities in Greece also unfolded plans to boost security at its northeastern border with Türkiye.
The newspaper’s sources said that patrols at the border will increase by about 20 per cent, by sending extra border guards from other areas.
In addition, the country is also considering the expansion of the border fence, with the contract for the central Evros River near finalisation.
Recently, Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis urged for joint European action on migration.
Gerapetritis’ comments came in a meeting held with the Foreign Minister of France Stephane Sejourne.
We must address the external dimension of migration and coordinate our efforts to combat the smuggling networks that exploit human need and suffering.
The minister also said that the burden of migration should be distributed equally in the EU countries, in line with the framework of the Migration and Asylum Pact.
