Wretched living conditions of refugees under the snow
11.1.2017
Question for written answer P-000091-17
to the Commission
Rule 130
Sotirios Zarianopoulos (NI)
This unacceptable situation of refugees, who are living in snow-covered tents, battling for days on end and risking their lives in the squalid conditions of the hotspots of Moria (Lesbos), Samos, Chios, the former Ellinikon airport, the Malakasa camp and elsewhere, is the direct consequence of the EU's decisions, in particular the EU — Turkey agreement which means that over 16 000 refugees are doubly trapped.
The facts on the ground show that the EU and the Greek Government took it for granted that a significant part of refugees would spend the winter in tents or even in containers and other sheltered areas without heating.
Leaving aside the heavy responsibility borne by the SYRIZA‐ ANEL government, will the Commission say:
- —What is the EU’s position and what measures will it take, given that, while the refugees are living in unacceptable conditions during the harsh winter weather,
- b)A goldmine of EU funding is being channelled towards the establishment and strengthening of enforcement mechanisms aimed at refugees, such as the European Border and Coast Guard Agency etc.?
a) NGOs are pillaging — with well-known detrimental effects — a large share of whatever EU funding exists, and even commandeering winter clothing and bedding, which should be managed by government agencies?