Research Institute for European and American Studies
Newsletter on Immigration to Greece
Editor: Ioannis Kolovos
On the stay of refugees
The deputy Minister for Immigration Policy Mr Yiannis Mouzalas estimated that 30,000 to 40,000 refugees will remain in Greece for a long time.
The relevant article (Kathimerini, 5/5/2016) can be read here (in Greek only)
How ISIS may be using the refugee flows
The head of Germany's domestic intelligence agency Hans-Georg Maassen told a conference that, although there were more efficient ways to smuggle in fighters, Islamic State appeared to have sent some via the Balkan route from Greece in order to fan fears about refugees and 'send a political signal'.
The relevant article (Reuters, 11/5/2016) can be read in full here (in English)
Europol and Interpol issued a comprehensive review of migrant smuggling networks
The report pointed out that “Some incidents have been identified involving terrorists who have made use of migratory flows to enter the EU. In the investigations into the 13 November Paris attacks, it was found that two of the attackers had entered the EU through Greece as part of the large influx of refugees from Syria” (p. 11).
The relevant Europol press release can be found here (in English)
Hellenic Police and Europol signed operational plan to combat migrant smuggling
The Operational Plan reinforced the coordination of the actions undertaken by the Greek law enforcement authorities (Hellenic Police and Hellenic Coast Guard), Europol and other EU Agencies and international organisations (Frontex, Eurojust, Interpol) in combating migrant smuggling. It formalised Europol's operational activities in the migration hotspots, under the full authority and legal framework of the Greek authorities.
The relevant Europol press release can be found here (in English)
The US State Department publicized country reports on terrorism
The report on Greece emphasized that “the porous nature of Greece’s borders remained of serious concern”.
The report on Greece can be read in full here (in English)
Outbreaks of violence are commonplace in hotspots
The hotspots in Lesbos, Samos and Chios become the settings for daily outbreaks of violence between groups of refugees/illegal immigrants.
The relevant article (Kathimerini, 4/6/2016) can be read here (in Greek only)
The European Commission reported on progress made in the implementation of the EU-Turkey Statement
The European Commission noted that “while there has been further good progress in its implementation, progress achieved so far remains fragile”.
The relevant European Commission press release can be found here (in English)
Unemployment much higher for foreign nationals
According to the latest Labor Force Survey (1st quarter of 2016) the unemployment rate of foreign nationals was much higher compared to the Greeks (34.1% compared to 24.2% respectively).
The relevant press release by the National Statistics Authority can be read here (in Greek only)
Hellenic Police officers to receive training on issues of Islamic radicalism and extremism
About 60 officers from various Hellenic Police Directorates are to constitute a network for the prevention and combating of Islamic radicalism and extremism.
The relevant article (Kathimerini, 23/6/2016) can be read here (in Greek only)