Foreign Minister Kotzias’ statement to journalist A. Viketos (ANA) following the 3rd Informal Ministerial Meeting of the Med Group of EU countries (Limassol, 26 February 2016)

N. KOTZIAS: At the third meeting of the Med Group member states (Portugal, Spain, France, Malta, Italy, Greece and Cyprus) there was a unanimous stance in favor of Greece’s positions on the refugee issue, and there was clear criticism of all those who are seeking their own separate solutions to the detriment of other member states. It was underscored that the future of Europe is linked to seeking and implementing common European solutions, with respect for the decisions of the European organs, which I stressed at this meeting. We cannot have unanimous decisions taken by the elected heads of state and government of the EU member states being overturned by two or three member states citing decisions of police directors.

Beyond the refugee crisis, there is a problem here for democracy. Can we be asked to abide by bureaucratic structures for issues regarding which decisions were made a few days ago by the elected representatives of the societies and member states of the EU? The question is clearly rhetorical, and the answer is very, very simple.

February 26, 2016