EU Vice President Georgieva visits refugees center in Athens

Vice President of the European Commission responsible for the Budget and the Human Resources Kristalina Georgieva visited on Monday the reception center of migrants and refugees center in Elaionas, Athens.

In her statements Georgieva said “My plea to these people is to have patience. If they left from a war then of course they have the right to asylum, if they seek a job and they find a job then they are welcome to stay in Europe, but if they don’t then they must return to their country. If Europe can’t accept all then we must handle this matter with respect and dignity”.

Georgieva discussed with Athens mayor Giorgos Kaminis on the ways EU and the Greek authorities will accelerate the implementation of the support programs and to solve administration problems. According to information, they discussed the funding of programs for refugees and local communities from the European Social Fund, the Fund for Refugees and the EU’s restructuring funds.

She also discussed with the general secretary of the Migration Policy Ministry Vassilis Papadopoulos and Athens mayor the implementation of the rent subsidy program for 20,000 persons which will be funded by the European Commission with 80 mln euros.