In his meeting today, in Stockholm, with the Swedish State Secretary for European Affairs to the Prime Minister, Hans Dahlgren, The Alternate Foreign Minister for European Affairs, Nikos Xydakis, pledged to convey to the Greek government the Swedish government’s proposal for the creation of a common European asylum system. Mr. Dahlgren highlighted to Mr. Xydakis that it is a proposal that helps the Europe-wide handling of the current refugee crisis, and he requested the Greek government’s assistance in implementing it. In turn, Mr. Xydakis noted that it is the Greek government’s policy to support proposals that approach the management of the refugee issue in terms of European policy and European solidarity.
In Stockholm, Mr. Xydakis also met with Deputy Foreign Minister Annika Söder, Deputy Minister for Economic Policy and International Economic Cooperation Karolina Ekholm, and the Moderate Party’s representative on Foreign Policy issues, the Vice Chairperson of the Swedish Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, Karin Enström.
The visit reaffirmed the excellent level of Greece’s relations with Sweden and the understanding between the two governments regarding the manner in which to handle the refugee crisis. Mr. Xydakis briefed his collocutors on Greece’s positions, noting the turning point that has been reached by the European Union, which is currently facing an existential crisis due to the refugee issue. What is being seen in the Mediterranean today is unprecedented geopolitical turmoil that threatens security, peace and stability, Mr. Xydakis stressed. And this is why we need political responses based on cooperation among those European states that understand the critical nature of the situation. He highlighted that countries such as Germany, Italy and Sweden understand that the crisis is impacting the very core of Europe, while, in contrast, other countries are pursuing national solutions that would break up the Union.
Mr. Xydakis briefed his collocutors in depth on the steps Greece has taken to manage the refugee crisis, as well as on the unprecedented number of refugees Greece has received in recent months. Special reference was made to the more that 120,000 people rescued by the Greek Coast Guard (now in cooperation with Frontex) in the Aegean since the outbreak of the crisis. He, in turn, was briefed by the Swedish side on their handling of the issue and the capabilities of, as well as the unavoidable burden on, the Swedish states welfare structures. Special emphasis was put on receiving and supporting unaccompanied refugee minors.
Mr. Xydakis continues his tour tomorrow in Helsinki, where he will have successive meetings with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Timo Soini, Foreign Ministry Secretary General Samuli Virtanen, the Secretary General for European Affairs at the Prime Minister’s office, Kare Halonen, and Interior Minister Petteri Orpo.
These visits are being carried out within the framework of a tour of European countries that has so far taken Mr. Xydakis to Germany, Holland, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary and Sweden for meetings with his counterparts.
The aim of these visits is to brief collocutors on Greece’s positions on matters of common European interest, as well as on the refugee crisis.
February 25, 2016