MIGRATION - Greece / Pushbacks: Q&A
Hello again Markus, Maria Psara would have seen newspaper.
I would like to know if now you know something more about the BBC report on the Greek police using masked migrants to forcibly push back other migrants.
I'm wondering if the Commission has any reaction on that, thank you.
Coming back to these questions, we briefly exchanged 2 days ago.
What I can say today is that we are aware of media reporting on this matter.
It is the responsibility of Member States to investigate any allegations by establishing the facts and also to ensure adequate follow up on any identified wrongdoings.
It's not for the Commission to identify,
and we have no additional information on this specific case.
What I can say in general on the position of the Commission is the following member states have to manage and protect the external borders.
This is part of what they have to do.
They have to do it within the EU's legal framework.
Their task is supported by Frontex and through our financial instruments.
And efficient border management must be firmly rooted in the respect of fundamental rights always. There you go. Good. And Maria, you have a follow up. Yes, thank you, Markus for the answer.
I, I would like you to confirm if pushbacks are not in the legal framework of the EU first of all, and secondly,
do you consider that this report,
this story by BBC is an attack on the Greek government and some Greek media are claiming? Thank you.
To your first question, when it comes to fundamental rights, the principle of non-refoulement must be respected always. I think that's very clear.
On your second question,
I'm not in a position to comment on media reports regarding this specific case any further.
Thank you. Other questions to Markus. Nope. Other questions today, Noureddine.