The European Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship Dimitris Avramopoulos announced that the hotspots in Greece and Italy will be “operational” within a month.
Mr. Avramopoulos responded to the criticism from countries such as Slovakia, Hungary and Poland, stressing that prompt moves are required on a European level in order to address the humanitarian crisis.
He also warned of increased refugee flows in the coming months
Hotspots in Greece and Italy will be ready in four weeks the latest, European Commissioner for Migration Dimitris Avramopoulos said in an interview with Sueddeutsche Zeitung on Tuesday.
Referring to the EU member states that refuse to contribute to the joint European effort, he said that some governments tell ‘no’ to everything, but they do not inform their citizens on the consequences of their refusal.
He also noted that the European Commission has proposed to these countries any kind of support: “I visited every country and I promised to offer any kind of support, economical, technical of infrastructure” adding that nobody can accuse the EU of not helping find a solution.
Mr. Avramopoulos also explained that the mass refugee flows have not stopped warning of increased refugee flows in the coming months.
News from 14th January 2016:
"Migration Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos joined the Civil Liberties Committee on Thursday to debate the implementation of measures to tackle the migration and refugee crisis, including relocation and work in the reception “hotspots”. MEPs also raised the issue of the future of Schengen as well as the need for a review of the Dublin system. [...]
Regarding migration and refugee flows, the Commissioner admitted the relocation scheme was not working and asked member states to step up their efforts.
Several MEPs asked the Commission to focus on promoting legal ways for migrant and refugees to enter Europe and criticised the lack of progress by Turkey in controlling migrant flows and combatting smugglers.