The Alternate Minister of Migration Tasia Christodoulopoulou presented her initiatives regarding migration, which include granting Greek citizenship to migrant children born or raised in Greece and suspending the police’s controversial ‘Xenios Zeus’ program.

Mrs. Christodoulopoulou stressed that children were born in Greece and who have not known any other homeland other than Greece will receive Greek citizenship. She also expressed her expectations that the Dublin agreements will be reviewed. Additionally, the Alt. Minister emphasized the need to shut down the migrant detention centers, such as the one in Amygdaleza and convert them, where possible, to open welcoming centers.

Regarding political asylum, SYRIZA’s Rights Department noted the need to support services, particularly at points of entry into the country, in order to expedite the examination of the thousands of applications. It was also stressed that the illegal practice of “pushing back” must end and that initiatives must be taken so that responsibility for receiving refugees is shared amongst EU member states.