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In Moria, “we can see all the problems of migration we have been dealing with since 2015 converging,” German Chancellor Angela Merkel stressed at an event hosted by the Konrad Adenauer Foundation in Berlin to mark the 30th anniversary of German reunification.

She reported that the Greek Prime Minister had requested support: “He specially requested that we take in the under-eighteens who have now also been transferred to the Greek mainland.” It is also particularly important to ensure new, better accommodation for the people on the ground, underscored Chancellor Merkel. “Things need to change, and Germany will do its bit.”

Franco-German cooperation within the framework of a European solution

Chancellor Merkel stated that Germany and France will be involved in supporting Greece. She expressed her hope that they will be joined by more EU member states. As part of a joint initiative, France and Germany and other EU member states have declared their readiness to take in a total of 400 minors. Germany, she said, can take in between 100 and 150 children and young people.

Migration is not just the problem of the countries where the people arrive, nor is it only a German problem, because Germany holds the Presidency of the Council of the European, she added. It needs to become far more a European responsibility, said Chancellor Merkel, adding that the German Government will fight for this.

The German Government supports the plans of the European Commission for a migration compact. It is grateful that the Commission has launched another attempt and will be presenting its proposals on 30 September, said Chancellor Merkel: “We cannot be satisfied with a European migration policy. Basically we have no such policy at the moment,” she declared. “If that does not change it is a heavy burden for Europe.” Germany will use its Presidency of the Council of the European Union to make progress in this area, she added.

German assistance on the way

Speaking in Berlin, Federal Interior Minister Horst Seehofer underscored the importance of taking swift action to put in place decent conditions for people on the ground. “This evening we have already sent off 1,400 camp beds, 400 sleeping bags and tents for up to 1,000 people with the THW, the Federal Agency for Technical Relief,” added State Secretary Helmut Teichmann. But that is only the start. The ministry, he said, is examining how Greece can be further assisted.