Migration Minister Notis Mitarakis, in conjunction with director of the European Commission, Beate Gminder, have finalised their agreement for the construction of new closed structures on the eastern Aegean islands of Samos, Kos and Leros.
In three of them, the capacity will be at least 5,000, while in Kos it will be 2,000 and in Leros it will be 1,000. Mr Stefanis had originally planned to transfer 20,000 refugees from the Aegean islands by the end of 2020.
READ MORE: Moria refugee camp ordered to close and a proposed five new camps to open on Greek islands
The proposal was announced by Deputy Defence Minister Alcibiades Stefanis exactly one year ago, with calls for stricter border guarding with the establishment of a single body.
The Government also predicted, prior to the burning down of Moria and Samos camps, that the deterioration of weather conditions will reduce flows of protectionists and families being moved to inland (hotels).
“In the short term we are restoring control and security to the crisis-affected areas, while in the medium term we are implementing a number of actions aimed at not only restoring regularity to all aspects of Greek people’s lives, but creating the conditions for them to be shielded” said Mr. Stephanis.
The funding for these projects will be fully covered by the European Commission.
