The prospect of EU financing for the extension of a fortified fence, along the Greek side of the Evros River and land border with Turkey, was revived on Wednesday, as a relevant amendment tabled by the European Peoples Party (EPP) in the Euro-parliament was approved.
Voting in favor of the amendment were 322 MEPs. The legislation calls for resources to be immediately allocated towards boosting infrastructure on the Union’s external borders. Conversely, 290 MEPs, including ones from Greece’s leftist SYRIZA party, voted against the amendment. Twenty European Parliament deputies abstained.
The developments means that the issue will now be submitted in the European Parliament’s plenum, but with the approved amendment included.
In terms of opposition to the fortification extension, another draft amendment prominently supported by Greek MEP Dimitris Papadimoulis, who is elected from SYRIZA, was voted down.
The approved amendment notes, among others, the importance of enjoying substantial control of the EU’s external borders, while unequivocally condemning attempts to instrumentalize migrants, especially in the context of “hybrid destabilizing actions”.
Wording in the amendment also welcomes the conclusions of the European Council February 2023, in particular paragraph 23, by which the Commission is invited to immediately mobilize significant EU funds and instruments. to support member-states in strengthening border protection capacities and infrastructure, means of surveillance, including aerial surveillance, and equipment recalls that the fundamental rights of migrants must be respected.
In a later reaction, Greek MEP Anna-Michelle Asimakopoulou, who is elected with center-right New Democracy (ND) party, stated that “…Today the European Parliament gave a resounding response, as the Papadimoulis amendment not to fund the Evros fence was defeated and the European People’s Party amendment allowing the funding of relevant infrastructure was passed; we continue, for Greece”.
Conversely, a statement by SYRIZA referred to the “…political adventurism of the EPP and its alliance with the extreme right and ultra-conservatives … who torpedoed the EP guidelines for the 2024 EU budget and led to their rejection in plenary…”
στο Google News και μάθετε πρώτοι όλες τις ειδήσειςLatest News
As Greece Boosts Tax Revenue, Will Citizens See Lower Rates?
Despite innovative technologies boosting Greece's tax revenues, tax rates remain unchanged, and citizens continue to bear the burden
Greece-wide Strikes Scheduled for February 18, 19
Greece's public sector and taxi labor unions will be participating in strikes, for varied reasons, on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Experts: Earth Deformation in Santorini, Vigilance for Volcanic Activity
Inside the Santorini Caldera, seismic activity has remained stable, but an increase in ground deformation across the wider Santorini region has prompted further monitoring
PM launches political counter-offensive amidst popular unrest, charges of Tempe cover-up
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has launched a political counter-attack against opposition parties that have lodged charges of a government cover up of the causes of the crash
PM Mitsotakis on Santorini Quakes: Schools Closed, State on High Alert
Regarding the continuous seismic activity in Santorini Mitsotakis noted that scientists are now describing it as “an unprecedented phenomenon, with fluctuations in its intensity, making it impossible to safely predict its development at this time.”
Greece to Become Key Player in EU’s Critical Raw Materials Supply
The EU largely depends on critical raw material imports from countries outside the Union, with China, Turkey, and South Africa being the main suppliers
Greek seismologist hopes Kolumbo volcano magma rise moderate, not violent
The Greek seismologist expressed hope that any potential lava flow in the coming weeks would be mild rather than explosive, whether it occurs at Kolumbo or to the northeast near Anydro.
Tourism Strong in Greece Despite Santorini Earthquakes
Market experts note that international bookings historically slowed down during the period of the Santorini earthquakes but tend to pick up again after the Berlin International Tourism Fair
Greek Expert: Earthquake Swarm in Santorini Indicates ‘rise of volcanic magma’
Professor Costas Synolakis explained that a volcanic swarm was recorded, adding that scientists are now examining additional parameters
Greek Economy to Grow 2.5% in 2025: Bank of Greece
The public debt-to-GDP ratio is forecast to fall below 150% by 2025, aided by the primary budget surpluses reinforcing the Greek economy even more.
![Adecco: Αμείβονται τα πράσινα επαγγέλματα; – Αύξηση 18% στις θέσεις εργασίας στην Ελλάδα [γραφήματα]](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ergas-3-600x292-1.jpg)
![Επενδύσεις: Πόσο στηρίζουν το ελληνικό ΑΕΠ – Τι δείχνει μελέτη της Alpha Bank [γραφήματα]](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/ot_artificial_ependyseis-600x352.png)
