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MEPs concerned about the challenges to EU values ​​in Greece!

09.03.2023

ABTTF President: ‘‘The messages delivered by the MEPs whom are members of the LIBE Committee are extremely important. It shows that our country Greece is moving away from EU values ​​and is moving in a different direction instead of applying principles such as democracy, rule of law and fundamental rights.’’

A delegation of Members of the European Parliament (MEP) from the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) was present in Athens on 6-8 March 2023 to assess the current issues regarding the state of EU values ​​in Greece.

The delegation, which was headed by MEP Sophia in’t Veld (Renew Europe, Netherlands), touched upon a wide range of topics during the visit, including media freedom and the safety of journalists, immigration policies, human rights and equal treatment, the use of spyware devices, rule of law and the fight against corruption. 

Head of delegation in’t Veld delivered some statements at the end of the visit. In her statements, in’t Veld indicated the following: ‘‘Although Greece has a solid institutional and legal framework, a vibrant civil society and independent media, the delegation notes that there are very serious threats to the rule of law and fundamental rights. Checks and balances, essential for a robust democracy, are under heavy pressure. Scrutiny by dedicated bodies and by free press is hollowed out, justice is extremely slow and ineffective, leading to a culture of impunity. Corruption is eroding public services and goods. Civil society organisations are under enormous pressure’’.

In addition, in’t Veld also referred to issues pertaining to fundamental rights in Greece in her statements: ‘‘With regard to equal treatment, Greece has a solid legal framework and positive steps have been taken such as the creation of the new Human Rights Commission. However, the practice is very different for LGBTI people, Roma and other ethnic minorities and women. A majority of the delegation calls on all political forces to show leadership and promote societal change. Particular issues to be addressed are domestic violence, police violence and marriage equality. Finally, the legislative process needs to be improved by introducing real and meaningful consultation and by abolishing the controversial practice of omnibus legislation.”

Meetings with independent Greek authorities (National Transparency Authority, Data Protection Authority, Communication Security and Privacy, Ombudsman, National Commission for Human Rights, Asylum Service), as well as representatives of civil society, journalists, Frontex, the family of murdered journalist Giorgos Karaivaz, and former prosecutor Eleni Touloupaki were realised at the end of the programme of the delegation. 


Halit Habip Oğlu, President of the Federation of Western Thrace Turks in Europe (ABTTF) made the following statement: ‘‘The messages delivered by the MEPs whom are members of the LIBE Committee are extremely important. It shows that our country Greece is moving away from EU values and is moving in a different direction instead of applying principles such as democracy, rule of law and fundamental rights. We demand that our country, which claims to be the cradle of democracy at every opportunity, immediately abandons its policy of denial, which is in no way compatible with democracy, and respect our right to define ourselves, and we demand that the MEPs also take notice of this issue.’’

*Image: www.anadoluimages.com  

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