Greece defended itself against migrants: none will go unnoticed (video)

By building a wall to protect against migrants on the border with Turkey, Greece, politicians say, reliably protects not only its own, but also European borders.

How writes Euronews, migration is one of the key topics of the election campaign in Greece. The government has announced the strengthening of the wall, which controls the flow of refugees and migrants, as well as the increase in the capacity of the Reception and Identification Center in the border of Evros.

Greece does not want a repeat of what happened in March 2020, when thousands of migrants gathered at the Turkish border, trying to break into Greek territory. Tensions then erupted into violent clashes between the migrants and the Greek army. Türkiye and Greece have exchanged accusations of exploiting migrants and inhumane treatment of them.

Now, three years later, Greek authorities say the border wall is doing its job effectively. Konstantinos Tsolakidis, border police officer, says:

“Since the migration crisis of 2020, the wall has provided security and protection. Since it was built, not a single migrant has passed through it. Prior to the construction of the “fence”, the villages located along the Evros River faced problems: we had theft all the time. Now it’s all over, and it’s over for good.”

The Filakion Reception and Identification Center was opened in 2013. It can accommodate up to 330 asylum seekers and is usually overcrowded. It currently houses 121 people. This figure is indicative of the limited flow of refugees into Greece. However, some, dreaming of a better life in Europe, nevertheless make a dangerous journey. Like the Syrian asylum seeker, for example:

“I’m from Syria, I came here a week ago. I’m so happy! I came with my dad, mom and brother. We’ll go to Germany.”

The authorities have begun to expand the center for refugees. In fact, they create a new camp next to the old one. Despite the decline in the flow of refugees, they argue that it is necessary to create more places for them to live temporarily.

Migration is far from the only problem for Evros. The population is aging, young people are leaving for Athens or abroad. Many businesses have closed or moved to neighboring Bulgaria, where entrepreneurs find cheap labor. Garlic grower Vassilis Chantiridis complains:

“The funds invested in our region are related to the construction of a wall and a refugee reception center. We are talking about several million euros. But this money does not support the local economy. It creates few jobs. We need a new factory and new enterprises. People need jobs. The authorities should support farmers and livestock breeders, primary production.”

According to the plan, the Greek authorities will extend the fence by 35 km over the next 12 months. The construction will be completed at the expense of the state budget. Athens has been heavily criticized for its frontier wall. Nevertheless, the government notes that it is obliged to protect the borders of Greece and the European Union.

Source link