Congress of Local and Regional Authorities Rapporteur calls for solidarity with local authorities to urgently remedy refugee situation after Moria fires

Against the background of the devastating fires in the “Moria Reception and Identification Centre” on the Greek island of Lesbos, Yoomi Renström, Rapporteur of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe deplored the lack of joint action in Europe,  saying: “The current response of authorities across Europe is far from sufficient and it is nothing to be proud of. This situation is yet another worrying example of what happens when there is a lack of cooperation and solidarity. Thousands of migrants continue to be in grave danger, including many unaccompanied minors.”

In its report adopted in 2017, the Congress already warned about the overcrowding, underfunding and understaffing of refugee camps in Greece and called for European solidarity with the Greek national and the local authorities. “We need to lend our support to local elected representatives in Greece, who are carrying the heavy burden of dealing with this issue on a daily basis. We once again underline the need for coordinated action across Europe and for solidarity with local and regional authorities”, the Rapporteur added.

The Current Affairs Committee of the Congress emphasised the responsibility of the Greek government to lighten the burden on those communities that for years have had to shoulder the brunt of responsibility, by facilitating the transfer of migrants to the Greek mainland.  Yoomi Renström stressed the key role that local and regional authorities play in the management of migration and integration. 

Congress member, Eirini Dourou, stressed that this does not only concern Greece, but that it is a European issue. She highlighted the need for a new multilevel approach to asylum across Europe, based firmly in respect for human rights and the rule of law. The Congress rapporteur urged Council of Europe member states to show solidarity and to ensure responsibility-sharing with Greek authorities.