The plan, advocates the closure of the borders between Greece and its northern neighbors, in effect the blockage of the routes of the “illegal” migrants towards central Europe. It also calls that those migrants who have reached Greece, should remain here and be returned back to the country they came from.
At the same time:
-An effective solution will have to be found concerning the hard humanitarian crisis which is forming in Greece. This should be achieved via the launching of an emergency plan by the Commission.
-Greece should be provided with additional aid in order to be able to control its borders, those with FYROM and Albania included, as well as to operate the hotspots more efficiently
-Extra aid must also be provided to Greece in order to be able to return illegal migrants back to Turkey.
-The procedures which are needed in order for refugees to be relocated in other countries of the EU must be made swifter.
-Collaboration between the EU and Western Balkan non-member countries must continue.
-The fight against traffickers must be fortified.
-The gradual re-enforcement of the Schengen agreement and the ending of controls in the borders between countries belonging to the EU.
The spokesperson for the German Chancellor, called all these information to be speculative. “I am aware of these information, that there are speculations about a possible closure of the Balkan route. I wish to say that the negotiations are still ongoing they are still in development and we must wait”.
According to Greek government sources, at this time the final document is being rewritten and it will not include the crucial wording concerning the closed borders.