European Commissioner: Balkans Do Not Restore the Past

Populism, nationalism and iredentism risk re-affirming the Balkan region (reversion of past conflicts), European Commissioner for Migration, Internal Affairs and Citizen Dimitris Avramopoulos said in an interview.

It is important not to return the dark past, and the leaders of these countries realise it is vital to think and act in a European spirit”, the EU commissioner said.

Avramopoulos stressed that “countries like Greece can play an essential role by building bridges that will bring the Western Balkans closer to the European family”.

Asked how the European Commission aims to manage countries that refuse to respect the EU-set quota system for redealing migrants and asylum seekers, the commissioner indicated that “operation of the reseparation mechanism is successful, as well as the rights and obligations of European family members are not according to the” menu.

He reiterated that the Dublin Rules are currently canceled due to circumstances, and stressed that the proposal he has submitted for a review of rules related to the issue of migration to the EU calls for a new system that is fair to the EU and its citizens, refugees, countries of origin and transit.

In this interview, Avramopoulos also praised German Chancellor Angela Merkel's efforts in the refugee crisis. <

Germany has shown Europe and the world what can be done by a country based on humanitarian and democratic values. I hope negotiations on a ruling coalition in Germany end as soon as possible”, he continued.

As for the issue of reducing the available funds of refugees from Brex, Avramopoulos said that the EU's “exit of BM creates new facts about Europe's budget. The European Commission is preparing a proposal where migration, control and border security sectors are among the main challenges in the new European budget”