Answer given by Mr Avramopoulos on behalf of the Commission
11.8.2017
As emphasised in its regular reports on relocation and resettlement, the Commission is systematically working with all relevant stakeholders in order to increase the pace of relocation and remove the procedural obstacles found by Member States. In recent months a positive increase of the pace of relocation was recorded, with almost 3 000 relocation transfers organised in the month of June 2017 alone.
The main aim of the relocation scheme is to relocate all eligible applicants currently present in Greece and Italy within the time limits established in the Council Decision. It will also be assessed whether Member States actively participated in the scheme in a spirit of cooperation and contributed proportionally to the alleviation of the migratory pressure on Greece and Italy. The Commission is of the opinion, that this goal is achievable.
The EU-Turkey statement did not have an amending effect on the Council Decisions on relocation[1], and it remains the national competence of Greece to decide whether an applicant for international protection in Greece is eligible for the relocation scheme.
- [1] Council Decision (EU) 2015/1523 of 14 September 2015 establishing provisional measures in the area of international protection for the benefit of Italy and of Greece and the Council Decision (EU) 2015/1601 of 22 September 2015 establishing provisional measures in the area of international protection for the benefit of Italy and Greece.