Latvia's President Urges Greece to Strengthen Border Security in Response to Refugee Crisis

Strategic Insights -

Latvian President Raimonds Vejonis has expressed concerns about the influx of migrants into Europe, particularly from Greece, which he believes needs to demonstrate a "changed attitude" on border security. With hundreds of thousands of migrants pouring into Europe from the Middle East and Africa this year, Vejonis emphasized the importance of strengthening control and checks on documents at Greece's border, as it is the first country asylum seekers reach. The Latvian leader also voiced support for European aid to help Turkey deal with over 2 million refugees from Syria, while expressing concern about Russia's growing involvement in Syria's civil war. Vejonis dismissed calls to freeze the Schengen agreement, a free border zone of 26 nations, and instead advocated for the EU to shore up its external frontiers, particularly in the south, and establish effective ways of returning non-war refugees and combating human trafficking.

Key Takeaways:

  • Latvian President Raimonds Vejonis urged Greece to demonstrate a "changed attitude" on border security to stem the flow of migrants into Europe.
  • Vejonis expressed concerns about the influx of migrants into Europe, particularly from Greece, which he believes needs stronger control and checks on documents at its border.
  • The Latvian leader backed European support to help Turkey deal with over 2 million refugees from Syria.
  • Vejonis expressed concern about Russia's growing involvement in Syria's civil war.
  • He dismissed calls to freeze the Schengen agreement, a free border zone of 26 nations, and advocated for the EU to shore up its external frontiers, particularly in the south.
  • Vejonis emphasized the need for effective ways of returning non-war refugees and combating human trafficking.
  • Hundreds of thousands of migrants have poured into Europe from the Middle East and Africa this year, straining external borders along Europe's southern flank.
  • Officials from the Baltic states, including Vejonis, have voiced similar concerns about Italy, whose islands have also faced an influx of migrants.
  • A recent protest in Latvia against a government decision to accept 250 asylum seekers over two years as part of a European Union plan to deal with migrants highlights growing public concern about the issue.

Statistics:

  • Over 2 million refugees from Syria are being supported by Turkey.
  • Hundreds of thousands of migrants have poured into Europe from the Middle East and Africa this year.
  • The Schengen agreement is a free border zone of 26 nations, including 22 from the EU.

Sources:

  • "Latvia's President Urges Greece to Strengthen Border Security". Reuters. [no date]
  • "Greece Demands End to European Migrant Quotas After Failed Referendum". The New York Times. November 2, 2016.