Monday, January 27, 2014
After the Council, Dendias stated that the session had focused on illegal migration and its potential links to terrorism. In the meeting, it was clarified that the European Commission rejects any association between terrorism and migration, as Dendias said. However, the main topic was the utilization of border control means against terrorism. Malmstrom fielded questions about youth radicalization and way to monitor this, saying that it will be among the new issues to be included in the European agenda.
Opening the day's proceedings, the Greek ministers referred to the tragic incident in Farmakonissi and expressed regret for the loss of human lives. Referring to the issue, Merchant Marine Minister Varvitsiotis expressed his deep sorrow and anguish at the tragic event, stating that despite the Hellenic Coast Guard’s record of 3,500 human rescues, each loss of human life at sea is a tragic event for our country. He added that he has already requested from Naval Court of Piraeus to conduct an investigation into the circumstances of Farmakonissi’s maritime accident. “We are shocked by the incident in Farmakonissi and any loss of human life at sea.”
Malmstrom said that border security cooperation has to be improved to combat such phenomena, and acknowledged that Greece has made great progress in asylum issues, though there was still a lot to be done. “We have done a lot for Greece on immigration,” she said. “It's everyone's responsibility, within EU, to help” she commented. During a dinner for JHA Council ministers in the European Peoples Party (EPP) on January 23, the Lisbon Treaty and Dublin II Regulation articles concerning the distribution of political asylum seekers were also discussed, including the provision for asylum seekers’ transfer to other member states and the relocation of those who cannot be returned to their countries of origin.
