MacroPolis

New increase in flow of refugees to Greece causes unease

By: Omaira Gill

Greece is facing a potentially explosive situation as the largely unaddressed refugee crisis has begun to take on new and troubling aspects in 2018.

Greece registers 42,425 asylum seekers at rising rate in two years of EU-Turkey deal

The Migration Ministry released a report which summarises the activities of the Greek asylum service in the two years since the EU-Turkey refugee deal came into effect.

Athens hits back over EU's refugee criticism, but domestic gripes more of a concern

The refugee issue continued to pose a significant challenge to the government over the Christmas break, with Migration Policy Minister Yiannis Mouzalas trying to deflect some of the criticism aimed at Athens, particularly in relation to the conditions at island hot spots.

Tusk proposals over refugee quotas puts Athens on alert ahead of EU summit

Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras is said to be steeling himself for a potential clash within the European Union over the fate of refugees, which has also been causing domestic problems of late.

Erdogan ends trip with softer tone, consensus on refugees

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdgogan concluded his visit to Greece on Friday as the Greek government attempted to defend its decision to extend an invitation to the controversial head of state.

EU-Greece island containment policy slammed as refugees endure squalid winter camps

The Greek government has been heavily criticised for a containment policy which restricts refugees to the islands, and for failing to provide adequate shelter to those who are stranded there as winter set in.

SYRIZA feeling internal pressure due to handling of refugees

The prominent faction of the “53” within SYRIZA has made a point of raising objections to the position taken by the party’s political secretariat after a meeting on Monday.

Tsipras eyes review conclusion, insists SYRIZA patience will pay off

Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras assured SYRIZA’s political secretariat on Monday that the government will manage to wrap up the third review on time and that better days are on the way for his party.

Athens keeps cautious eye on Berlin-Ankara relationship as German elections approach

Athens is closely monitoring the increased tensions between Berlin and Ankara, especially regarding the latter’s hopes for European Union accession.

Refugee returns to resume despite concerns over rights and conditions

Greece's Migration Minister, Yiannis Mouzalas, this week announced that Germany was to resume returns of refugees under the so-called Dublin regulations which have been suspended for the country since 2011.