By Penelope Galliou

At a time when the degree of vigilance of the Greek authorities has reached red for the increasing trends recorded in the arrival of immigrants towards the entrances of the country, the Kyriakos Mitsotakisis participating today in the MED9 Summit that is taking place in Paphos and at the center of which will be the burning issue of immigration.

The developments in the Middle East and the concern for further escalation make necessary the talks that will be held on the Megalonisos, between the leaders of Greece, Cyprus, France, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Spain, Croatia and Slovenia, while the King of of Jordan Abdullah to discuss with the MED9 leaders the latest developments in the Middle East, but also EU-Jordan relations.

Under the shadow of the latest developments and the concern that raises any further escalation in the wider region after Iran’s attacks against Israel, regional developments will be at the center of the talks at the MED9 Summit, which is the first summit meeting of EU leaders. . a few days before next week’s European Council Meeting (October 16-18) and is expected to be the platform for the first discussion at the highest level of next week’s European Council agenda, while the President of the European Commission will also be present Ursula von der Leyen.

Migration has returned high on the European agenda due to the expansion of Germany’s controls on its land borders and under the fear of massive migration flows due to the developments in Lebanon. Kyriakos Mitsotakis, according to government sources, and from Paphos, is expected to reiterate the importance of guarding the EU’s external borders and strengthening the front-line countries, the importance of returns and cooperation with third countries, while underlining the importance implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum. After all, the Greek prime minister has drawn the red lines of Athens in terms of the management of the migration issue in Europe, declaring in all directions that the unilateral abolition of Schengen cannot be tolerated.

In any case, the 27 EU leaders who will meet next week in Brussels will look for a common place and a common approach to immigration, under the new conditions shaped by the developments in the Eastern Mediterranean. According to information, the European Council is expected to call for decisive action at all levels to increase and accelerate returns from the EU. for, as well as the Commission and the Council to rapidly present a new common approach on returns.

Acceleration of the return procedures of immigrants request with their document to European Commission14 member states, including Germany, France, Italy, Greece, pointing out that those who do not have the right to stay must be held accountable and that there must be a new legal basis defining their obligations and duties , while non-cooperation must have consequences and be punished.