Six Greek politicians have submitted a request to judicial authorities to remove the whistleblowers’ identity protection who have implicated them into the Novartis scandal. The request was submitted to the judicial council of the Special Court on Thursday. The whistleblowers, “code-named ‘Kelesi’ and ‘Maximos Sarafis‘ had alleged that the high-profile …

Almost 9 months after a fire gutted a refugee camp on the Greek island of Lesvos, work on a new reception center has still not begun despite pledges to have the facility built before next winter, Greece’s migration minister confirmed Wednesday. Greek authorities said the fires were started deliberately last …

Greece has launched a European Union-wide tender to build two closed-type facilities replacing migrant camps on its islands, a move that has been criticised by a leading human rights advocate. The conservative government first announced in late 2019 its plan to move asylum-seekers to closed holding centres as part of …

The European Union must recognize that Balkan countries seeking membership are losing faith in Brussels’ long accession strategy, worsened by its initial failure to provide Covid-19 vaccines, according to an internal EU document seen by Reuters. Europe and the United States say that Albania, Bosnia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and …

Turkish Coast Guard and Port Authority vessels are escorting inflatable boats with migrants towards European borders, Migration & Asylum Minister Notis Mitarachi charged on Monday in a letter to the European Commission. Addressing it to European Commission Vice-President Margaritis Schinas and Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johannson, Mitarachi said that “it …

Former EU Commissioner and PASOK minister Anna Diamantopoulou announced on Monday she was withdrawing her candidacy in the race to become the next head of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Diamantopoulou was one of three candidates left in the race. She posted on her Twitter account: I …

The European Parliament has launched an inquiry into “respect of fundamental rights” by the European Borders Agency Frontex. The new EP Frontex Scrutiny Working Group (FSWG) formally began its work on Tuesday 23 February with the appointment of its Chair and a rapporteur, the EP said in a statement issued …

EU member states adopted guidelines on the proof of vaccination for medical purposes on Thursday, following a proposal by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, his office said on Thursday. “The first step in the implementation of Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ proposal for a European vaccination certificate was made today,” the PM’s office …

The European Parliament voted a resolution last month, urging that the European values of democracy must prevail even in a state of public emergency like Covid-19. The EP warned against “abuse of power” and called on the EUropean Commission to step up its efforts by taking legal action where necessary. …

Greek Migration and Asylum Minister Notis Mitarakis and European Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson signed a memorandum of cooperation for the construction of a new reception centre for migrants and refugees on the island of Lesvos. The new reception centre will be built with the cooperation of the Greek …

A complaint has been filed against Greece’s Education Ministry for ignoring the rights of Roma children during the lockdown and for their exclusion from distance education. The Greek chapter of Helsinki Watch has filed a complaint against Education Minister Niki Kerameos and deputy minister Sofia Zaharaki. Greek Helsinki Monitor filed …

European Union lawmakers lashed out Tuesday at the head of Frontex Fabrice Leggeri over allegations that the border and coast guard agency helped illegally stop migrants or refugees entering Europe, calling for his resignation and demanding an independent inquiry. The lawmakers grilled Executive Director Fabrice Leggeri over an investigation in …

European border agency Frontex has launched an internal investigation into press reports of alleged illegal pushbacks of migrants and refugees in the Aegean Sea. A relevant TV report broadcasted on Tuesday at German public broadcaster ARD not only displayed footage but also featured among others eye-witness accounts by Greek islanders …

Greece has called on Germany, Italy and Spain to impose an arms embargo on Turkey, citing Ankara’s recent provocative actions. Citing diplomatic sources, state-run news agency amna reports that Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias has sent letters to his counterparts in Germany, Heiko Maas, in Spain, Arancha Gonzalez-Laya, and in Italy, …

Greece has asked the European Commission to consider suspending the customs union agreement with Turkey due to Ankara’s “continued provocations.” Citing diplomatic sources, state-run news agency amna reported on Tuesday morning that for this purpose Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias has sent a letter to European Commissioner for Enlargement, Oliver Varhelyi …

The European Union needs to come up with a strategy to counter disinformation about 5G technology or risk false claims derailing its economic recovery and digital goals, a group of 15 countries including Poland and Sweden said. Conspiracy theories that the novel coronavirus may be linked to the wireless technology …

Dozens of tents were flooded and large parts of Kara Tepe refugee camp on the island of Lesvos came under water after a strong rainfall on Thursday, an expected development as many people warned about from the very first moment the camp was set up. the European Commission slogan “No …

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proudly announced on Wednesday the Migration Pact, the EU’s proposal for Migration and Asylum. “The Pact offers a fresh start,” von der Leyen said adding that “the old system to deal with migration in the bloc no longer works.” She stressed that the …

Greek capital Athens are among an alliance of 22 cities from across Europe that urged the EU on Thursday to enact tougher rules on Airbnb and other short-term holiday rental platforms, accusing them of driving up property prices and squeezing out locals. Representatives from Paris, Barcelona, Florence, Berlin and other …

From the turbulent streets of Kara Tepe to the hospital in Mytilene: a 20-day-old refugee baby was transferred from the turbulent streets of Kara Tepe to the hospital in Lesvos’ capital Mytilene on Friday. The new born baby of Afghan origin developed fever and respiratory problems and was transferred to …