European Commission experts in Lesvos to set up first refugee 'hotspot'

She said they included the chief of the new 'task force' for Greece Maarten Verwey, who heads the European Commission's Structural Reform Support Service (SRSS), and that they were in contact with Greek ministries and Greek authorities in order to identify the precise needs that exist, in order to improve operational capacity of available structures, such as the centre on Lesvos. These needs might include both equipment and financial assistance, she said.

Regarding the need for additional European funding, Andreeva said that a Greek government request for emergency funding was still pending and being examined by Community authorities so that it might be used for necessary infrastructure. As an example, she cited equipment for taking finger prints and noted that progress had been made, with Germany contributing 10 such machines.