Europe will never allow itself to be blackmailed

The EPP Group strongly supports the Greek and Bulgarian Governments in their efforts to maintain order at their borders with Turkey.

“Europe will never allow itself to be blackmailed. Turkish President Erdogan is playing with the lives of people. The announcement made by the Turkish President that the border to Europe is now open is irresponsible and reckless”, said Manfred Weber MEP, Chairman of the EPP Group in the European Parliament. 

“We strongly support Greece and the decisions of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis' Government. We are of course ready to help the victims of the fighting in Idlib, but we cannot accept illegal border crossings into Europe”, Weber continued.

"The situation at the Greek border requires fast and effective actions at European level. This is not a Greek issue anymore but a European issue and therefore it concerns all Member States, with no exception. It is urgent to reinforce Frontex capabilities in order to guarantee that borders are respected and to ensure the safety and human dignity of those who are being put at risk by the recklessness of the Turkish authorities" said Esteban Gonzalez Pons MEP, Vice-Chair of the EPP Group responsible for Legal and Home Affairs.

"Turkey is not the only country who welcomes huge amounts of refugees, but Turkey creates refugees. Turkey is part of the problem, because of its involvement in the civil war taking place in Syria. It is in Europe’s interest to create conditions in Turkey for refugees to stay there, but this cannot mean that we finance Erdogan and his war. Turkey must comply with all parts of the refugee agreement", concluded Sandra Kalniete MEP,Vice-Chair of the EPP Group responsible for Foreign Affairs.