Humanitarian organisations and DG ECHO programmes dealing with refugees in Calais and the situation in the area following the Brexit vote

30.6.2016

Question for written answer E-005383-16
to the Commission
Rule 130
Ángela Vallina (GUE/NGL)

Exactly four months ago I tabled a question (E-001871/2016) concerning humanitarian organisations and DG ECHO programmes dealing with refugees in Calais (northern France), but have not received any answer thereto.

My question focused specifically on whether the Commission was aware of the situation in the refugee camp in Calais and its surroundings, the programmes planned by DG ECHO, if any existed, and whether or not the Commission had requested humanitarian organisations to provide assistance to the refugees.

Should the lack of an answer be understood to mean that DG ECHO has absolutely no interest in humanitarian emergencies within Europe?

What are the Commission’s plans regarding the situation in the camp at Calais following the Brexit vote?

Bearing in mind the change to the EU borders situation following the Brexit vote and the fact that some leaders in France have spoken out in favour of just letting refugees cross to England, has the Commission opened talks with France and the United Kingdom in order to mediate a solution to the terrible humanitarian situation in Calais?