A.Tsipras said that the Summit took decisions which are positive for Greece while stressing that this was a difficult, tumultuous year for Europe. He also expressed the wish that 2016 will be a  year of progressive changes for Europe.

“The past year was a very difficult one for Europe. A year of crises and tribulation. In such difficult times we also put a seed towards the necessary great change of path in the E.U. I hope that this seed will bear fruit. That the new year will be a year of change and that Europe will find its proper bearings again”.

A.Tsipras met with the German chancellor, A.Merkel where they discussed issues concerning the Frontex and the refugee hotspots.

Government sources said that Greece has clarified its' wish to use the technical expertise of Frontex and is willing to accept its help. On the other hand, the country has only received half of what help it has asked for.

Mr.Tsipras clarified that the only way to overcome this unprecedented refugee and migrant crisis is to build a permanent structure for the relocation of the refugees directly from Turkey, or the relocation from Greece to other European countries. He added that this is the only way to secure a legal and safe way for the refugees towards their country of choice.

The Summit has agreed to impose a concise strategy of relocation for those who are not entitled to asylum, or do not wish to apply for one. Migrants from Morocco, Algeria, Pakistan and Iran are included in these categories.

The “returns” will be organized by Frontex and the E.U. according to the current protocol for relocations between Greece and Turkey and according to the last agreement between E.U.-Turkey.

C.N.