Ylva Johansson comments on access to asylum

Today, Ylva Johansson, European Commissioner for Home Affairs, stated at a press conference in Athens that EU Member States, including Greece, must guarantee the right to access asylum. The Greek government has been accused of denying refugees access to asylum.

Tomorrow (Friday, 13 March) EU interior ministers will discuss the reception of unaccompanied minors. Several EU countries, including Germany, France, Portugal, Finland and Luxembourg, have agreed to accept up to 1,600 unaccompanied minors each.

Tineke Strik MEP, Greens/EFA group coordinator in the Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs Committee, comments:

"Unaccompanied children are vulnerable and need our support, no matter their asylum status. That's why the move by some EU governments to help those in need is essential but only a drop in the ocean. Many more EU member states must agree to help in the reception of unaccompanied minors and other vulnerable persons from Greece.

"We urgently need a long-term solution and a European asylum system with properly functioning procedures for the reception and distribution of asylum seekers across the European Union. EU ministers have a duty of care towards those in need and must come up with a joint approach based on solidarity."