Concern over migration returns to dominate the political agenda
Concern over migration has once again taken center stage in European politics following the rise of the far-right in Germany and Berlin’s subsequent decision to impose border controls with all neighboring countries.
The move has faced widespread criticism from EU countries, with Greece adopting a particularly firm stance. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis emphasized that “the answer cannot be to unilaterally abolish Schengen and pass the ball to the countries on Europe’s external borders.”
This issue is set to dominate the political agenda this week, alongside developments in the Greek opposition parties, SYRIZA and PASOK, as they prepare for their upcoming leadership elections.
Migration talks
Greek Migration Minister Nikos Panagiotopoulos is in Berlin on Monday and Tuesday for a conference on security and migration. The meeting coincides with Germany’s six-month temporary reintroduction of border controls at all land borders, which begins Monday.
In Athens, Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis is scheduled to meet his French counterpart, Stephane Sejourne, on Monday afternoon, with migration being one of the main topics for discussion.
Great Sea Interconnector
Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides will visit Athens on Thursday for a crucial meeting with Mitsotakis to discuss the electricity interconnection project between Crete and Cyprus.
The project has encountered several challenges, including concerns over its total cost, viability, and Cyprus’ financial contribution. However, Christodoulides recently noted “progress” in the negotiations, stressing that the government’s top priority is to safeguard the interests of the Cypriot people.
SYRIZA turmoil
SYRIZA’s central committee is set to meet over the weekend as the party faces a highly toxic situation. Following the ousting of leader Stefanos Kasselakis earlier this month, the party is heading toward leadership elections in late November, with a possible runoff in early December.
The central committee meeting is expected to approve this roadmap to elections. However, it is unlikely to be a straightforward process; recent debates among party officials have been plagued by legal threats, verbal assaults, accusations, and the need for police presence at party headquarters to maintain security.
