Official visit of the Minister for Migration and Asylum, Mr. Notis Mitarakis, to Denmark and meeting with his Danish counterpart, Mr. Mattias Tesfaye

Greece and Denmark draw common line on migration with emphasis on the need to protect borders and strengthen deportation as well as return procedures

The common line both Greece and Denmark share on handling the challenges Europe deals with on migration, was mutually agreed, today, during the meeting of the Minister for Migration and Asylum Mr. Notis Mitarachi,  along with his Danish counterpart, Mr. Mattias Tesfaye.

In the statements following the meeting, the two Μinisters placed emphasis on the common policy Greece and Denmark share regarding the external dimension of migration, the need for strict protection of the European borders along with the issue of deportation and return of those who are not entitled to international protection.

At the same time, Mr. Mitarachi and Mr. Tesfaye, fully agreed on the provision of EU support to countries of origin and transit, the need to enhance returns through the establishment of a central European mechanism as well as the need to strengthen the role of FRONTEX.

Mr. Tesfaye supported the strict but fair migration policy Greece implements, noting that Greece’s borders are common European borders. Thus, he also advocated the financing of projects that contribute to their effective protection, such as the fence in Evros.

Mr. Mitarachi pointed out that Europe needs legal migration routes and this must be the answer to smugglers, that their plans and actions cannot be accepted.

The Danish Minister for Migration and Integration also supported Greece’s decision to declare Turkey as a safe third country, calling on the Mediterranean countries to follow the same policy as the neighboring third countries.

After his visit at the Danish National Identity Center, the Pre-Departure Returns Center in Sjælsmark and the Returns Service, the Greek Minister for Migration and Asylum, noted as a positive fact that all responsibilities related to returns and integration are under the jurisdiction of the Danish Ministry, and finally, announced that during the next period a team from the Directorate of Returns and Revocations of the Asylum Service of the Greek Ministry for Migration and Asylum, will travel to Denmark so as to exchange best practices.