EU Refugee Policies—The

Greek Case

IRTEA

www.irtea.gr

The problems of Refugee Policies • Migration is considered the permanent or temporary change of

location of a person or a group.

• When the change of location is caused by different political

attitudes, prosecutions or war, the refugees problem is emerging.

• Refugees influence a society variously: demographically,

economically and socially.

• Social Impact is the most important. Societies who are not prepared

economically and ethically develop social reflections.

• There is the need to devolop specific social policies in order to

confront the emerge of social discrimination.

• EU has developed strong policies to face that challenge

The European Agenda on Migration and

Refugee Crisis • Migration is an expression of the human aspiration for dignity, safety

and a better future.

• Migration is both an opportunity and a challenge for the EU.

• EU agenda on Migration is built upon four pillars: Reducing the

incentives for irregular migration—Saving lives and securing the

external borders— Strengthening the common asylum policy—

Developing a new policy on legal migration

• The EU agenda on Refugee and Migration is strongly related to Crisis

Management Policies. These policies are trying to manage social and

political instability.

• Political and Social Instability caused by Irregular Migration influnces

all the aspects of life

The European Agenda on Migration and

Refugee Crisis • The irregular migration flows primarily along the Central and Eastern

Mediterranean routes has increased exponentially over the years

• EU Refugee Policies are connected to the Action Plan against Migrant

Smuggling. EU policies envisage enhanced cooperation with countries

of origin and transit towards a complete confrontation of Migrant

Smuggling

• Images of migrants and asylum seekers symbolize the tragic reality of

the irregular migration phenomenon

• EU has implemented legislative measures including: Strengthening

the mandate of FRONTEX— Establishing a verification system of

Schengen rules—Intensifying coordination between border

surveillance authorities

The European Agenda on Migration and

Refugee Crisis • EU policies on Migration and Refugee Crisis have a humanitarian

concept.

• According to the EU charter of Fundamental Rights EU policies are

based on the principle of giving preference to voluntary return.

• Return legislation is part of the Schengen acquis.

• A lot of agreements have been negotiated with countries of origin and

transit.

Greek Municipalities and the Refugee

Problems • Greece has faced huge problems concerning refugees coming from

Turkey.

• Municipalities at the coast line of Greece like the islands of Chios and

Lesvos are trying to build specific "hot spots" for the refugees.

• EU has implemented policies to support economically Greek

municipalities especially on the level of hosting refugees at specific

regions.

• The lack of economical and social structures does not allow Greek

local authorities to implement EU programmes concerning refugees.