The first day of the European Union summit on the refugee crisis was positive for Greece, according to a government source.
The 28 state leaders recognized the progress Greece has made in dealing with the refugee flows and particularly on the construction and operation of hotspots. At the same time, many EU leaders expressed concern over Turkey’s stance and its commitments to control the refugee flows, the same source said.
The biggest part of Thursday’s discussion was the issue of Britain’s exit from the EU, thereby there was less talk on Greece’s management of the refugee crisis.
Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said that Britain should be helped in its relations with Europe, but not by circumventing the European Union’s acquis.
Addressing the Visegrad Four countries — the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia — who ask for the closing of Greek borders in order to stem refugee flows, the Greek prime minister noted that while they talk about fences, they must realize that what they are facing from Britain is also a “fence,” referring to the suspension of social benefits for European citizens Britain is proposing.
Trilateral Meeting Between Greece, Germany, France
The Greek PM is meeting on Friday with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Francois Hollande on the sidelines of the summit.
The three leaders will discuss the refugee issue, with Tsipras asking his two counterparts for support against member states who propose the closing of Greece’s borders. He is also expected to ask for expediting the bailout program evaluation in order to open the path for Greek debt relief talks.
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