PM Tsipras: The issue of migration exceeds Greece

“We have tens of thousands of people which attempt every day to approach Europe though host countries like Greece and Italy,” he said. “We’re facing an acute problem that goes beyond Greece.”

Tsipras said the government will speed up the process for the establishment of a special management authority for migration which will allow Greece to tap into European funds, and use them both for border security and for the integration of refugees in society.

The government also designated State Minister for the Coordinating Government Operations Alekos Flambouraris to oversee the coordination of relevant ministries and ministers.

The premier also said that Greece has requested in two summit meetings the utilization of existing means and emergency funds to tackle migration, while it has also noted the need to share responsibility in the distribution of refugees.

He added, however, that due to the insistence of certain countries this action was decided to be kept at a voluntary basis, noting that “the principle of solidarity cannot be implemented a la carte and in a voluntary basis for various countries.”