Statement: Member states, regions and cities of the European Union must take on the responsibility of Moria refugees

Statement by the co-presidents, Satu Haapanen and Bernd Voß​

Closing eyes and leaving Greece alone is not a solution from the European Union member states, when 13,000 refugees were left without refuge after fire destroyed the Moria refugee camp on the island of Lesbos.

It has already taken too long for the European Union member states to show responsibility and solidarity towards their southern partner Greece, while it tries to handle the difficult refugee situation on its islands and mainland. The challenge is not only about lives and security of people seeking for refuge, but also about the well-being and security of EU nationals. Closing eyes from human distress is against all principles of Western values and of the European Union.

The fire in the Moria camp was the final straw –  now is the last moment to react to the desperate situation that the refugees are facing in Greece. Refugees need safe and sound places to stay. Children must have a chance to go to school and the sick and the elderly people must be taken care of. Refugees’ applications for asylum must be handled juridically right. European Union member states must take on the responsibility and accept refugees. Moreover, regions and cities of the EU can offer a helping hand to Greece and provide safe places to stay, for people living in the most inhumane conditions.

European Union member states, regions and cities must show solidarity and responsibility, and accept refugees from Greece. It is the least we can do in this human tragedy.​