Alternate Foreign Minister for European Affairs Nikos Xydakis participated in today’s meeting of the EU General Affairs Council (GAC), which was chaired by Luxembourg Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn, in Luxembourg.
The GAC looked at, among other things, preparation of the agenda for the upcoming European Council meeting (15-16 October) and the recent developments in the refugee issue.
In his remarks to the Council, Mr. Xydakis noted the importance of cracking down on human trafficking networks and the need for supporting the countries bordering on Syria and, consequently, receiving the heaviest refugee flows; countries including Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey.
Mr. Xydakis also stated that Greece is in favor of cooperation with Turkey on the refugee issue, stressing that all of the member states should be aware of the discussion and that prerequisites and criteria governing Turkey’s pre-accession process should not be circumvented. He also underscored that control of borders is primarily a national responsibility and that the states in question should have the first and last say. Finally, he added that it is vital that we enhance and exhaust all of Frontex’s capabilities within the framework of its mandate, and that, for this reason, our partners should contribute technical and material assistance, as well as human resources.
Mr. Xydakis met on the margins of the GAC with the UK European Affairs Minister, David Lidington, Sweden’s Deputy European Affairs Minister, Hans Dahlgren, France’s Deputy European Affairs Minister, Harlem Désir, and the Foreign Minister of Finland, Timo Soini. The meetings focused on bilateral and European issues, as well as on the scheduling of exchanged visits.
October 13, 2015