Margaritis

The European Commission on Thursday signed a memorandum outlining a detailed plan agreed by Greek authorities and EU agencies to establish a new, up-to-standard reception center on the island of Lesvos by early September 2021. This is a key step in resolving the situation following the fires that destroyed the Moria camp in September.

European Commission Vice President Margaritis Schinas likens the European Union's Recovery Fund to crossing the Rubicon, in that it was "a non-return option." Speaking to Kathimerini, he said "the size and quality characteristics of the package are such that they will seal the European integration for many years." Schinas, who recently recovered from Covid-19, described the conspiracy theorists

The European Commission's proposal of a 750-bln-euro recovery package reflects Europe's ability to overcome its limitations during times of crisis and mobilize unprecedented means never before available, European Commission Vice President Margaritis Schinas said on Wednesday.

European Commission Vice President Margaritis Schinas on Wednesday weighed in on a row between the Greek government and local authorities over plans to build pre-deportation centers on the five Aegean islands that are on the frontline of the migration/refugee crisis, calling for a greater "sense of responsibility and consensus."

European Commissioner designate for Protecting our European Way of Life Margaritis Schinas attends his hearing at the European Parliament in Brussels, Thursday [Yves Herman/Reuters]

The nomination on Tuesday of Margaritis Schinas to serve as a European Commission vice president by European Commission President-elect Ursula von der Leyen, constitutes a milestone for Greece.

European Commission communication chief Margaritis Schinas held his first "informal" meeting with newly elected Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

The Greek spokesman announced the meeting on Twitter on Wednesday, posting a photograph with the German former defense minister.

"There is a lot of work lying ahead and major challenges," Schinas commented in the post.

Bulgarian Mina Andreeva is appointed to temporarily be the chief spokesperson of the European Commission, Andreeve told a press conference on July 19. She was currently deputy chief spokesperson, but the incumbent Margaritis Schinas is to be nominated by Greece to the next Commission, reports BNT,

The Greek government on Thursday is expected to nominate European Commission's chief spokesman Margaritis Schinas as the country's next European commissioner, Kathimerini understands.
Sources said the announcement will be made later on Thursday.
Schinas served as a member of the European Parliament from 2007 to 2009 with New Democracy.

European Commission spokesman Margaritis Schinas on Tuesday stressed that the independence of central banks is safeguarded by European legislation and that member states have an obligation to respect this independence and allow central banks to do their jobs.