Germany and France to Shelter Some Refugees Displaced by Fire... 'Will European Refugee Policy Change?'

Possible Changes in European Refugee Policy Revealed at Merkel Press Conference

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Regarding the fire at the Moria refugee camp on Lesbos Island, Greece, the German and French governments have expressed their intention to accept some of the refugees into their countries. Attention is focused on whether this incident will lead to changes in the European Union (EU) refugee policy.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel is speaking.
Photo by Reuters Yonhap News

On the 10th (local time), German Chancellor Angela Merkel announced that Germany and France would share the responsibility of accommodating children left without shelter due to the fire at the Moria refugee camp. At a press conference commemorating the 30th anniversary of German reunification, Chancellor Merkel said, "I asked the Greek Prime Minister how we could help, and I heard that Germany and France want to take in some of those who will be transferred to mainland Greece," adding, "Germany has consulted with France on this matter, and France has agreed to participate."

The Moria refugee camp is Greece's largest refugee shelter, housing 12,000 people. This site, which had been embroiled in controversy over overcrowding, was completely destroyed by fires that broke out in multiple locations. There are suspicions that the refugees deliberately set the fires. The Greek government had strengthened quarantine measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 before the fire occurred.

This incident has brought the refugee issue back to the forefront of European society.

The Moria refugee camp on Lesbos Island, Greece, burned down by fire [Image source=AP Yonhap News]

Until now, Europe has pursued a policy whereby the country where refugees first arrive bears the responsibility for the refugee issue. However, countries such as Poland, Hungary, Greece, and Italy have argued that they cannot handle the refugees alone and have called for an EU-wide response.

The European Commission (EC) was originally expected to present new proposals regarding refugee policy by the end of this month.

Chancellor Merkel also mentioned the need for a response different from previous measures. She stated, "The refugee issue is not only the problem of the country where they first arrive, nor is it solely Germany's problem," and insisted, "It must become a responsibility at the European level."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.