EU begins returning migrants in Greece to Turkey

The first resettlements of Syrian refugees from Turkey and returns of migrants from Greece were taking place on Monday in line with the March 18 European Union (EU)-Turkey Agreement.

According to a statement by the European Commission, on Monday morning, 32 Syrian refugees were resettled to Germany and 11 to Finland. A group of Syrian refugees are expected to leave for the Netherlands Tuesday morning.

The return of a number migrants who have not made asylum applications in Greece has been carried out during the morning from the Greek islands to Turkey, "in full respect of EU and international law," the statement said.

The Commission said continued efforts are needed from Greece, Turkey and all EU member states in the days and weeks to come.

Under the latest agreement in March, EU Heads of State or Government and Turkey agreed to end the irregular migration from Turkey to the EU and replace it instead with legal channels of resettlement of refugees to the EU.

The aim, the EU said, is to replace disorganized, chaotic, irregular and dangerous migratory flows by organized, safe and legal pathways to Europe for those entitled to international protection in line with EU and international law.

The agreement took effect from March 20, and April 4 was set as the target date for the start of returns of people arriving in Greece after March 20 and of the first resettlements.

Greece and Turkey are the two governments in charge of implementing the agreement and it is their authorities who have to do the legal and operational work, the statement said, adding that the Commission is assisting Greece with advice, expertise and support from the EU budget and by coordinating the support which is being provided by other Member States and EU agencies. Endit