Over the last few hours, Greece has been faced with an unprecedented situation following the events of 8 September 2020, when a massive fire tore through the Moria reception and identification centre on the island of Lesvos. The problems faced are enormous, since the entire camp, including the asylum service and its facilities, has been completely destroyed, and the surrounding area severely damaged.

The Greek authorities have responded promptly to the emergency with the removal of unaccompanied minors, the provision of accommodation for those previously housed in the special facility and the protection of migrants and residents by all suitable means.

The government has immediately declared a state of emergency on the entire island, once more highlighting the fact that, in recent years, Greece has been forced to shoulder a disproportionate burden with regard to migration. In view of this:

1. What measures will the Commission take to assist Greece in cooperation with the national authorities, bearing in mind that the management of migrant flows is primarily a European issue?
2. After assessing the special assistance necessary, what additional emergency measures will it take to avoid a humanitarian crisis as a result of this exceptional situation?

The question was submitted to the EC by the following Greek MEPs: Elissavet Vozemberg-Vrionidi (PPE), Anna-Michelle Asimakopoulou (PPE), Stelios Kympouropoulos (PPE), Georgios Kyrtsos (PPE), Manolis Kefalogiannis (PPE), Maria Spyraki (PPE), Vangelis Meimarakis (PPE)