First hotspot inaugurated on Lesvos

The European Commisions Migration Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos inaugurated on the 16 October 2015 Greece’s first refugee screening centre, or 'hotspot',on the eastern Aegean island of Lesvos (Lesbos).

Additional hotspots on the Greek islands of Chios, Samos, Kos, and Leros were expected to be fully operational by the end of November (as well as two equivalent facilities in Italy).

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Remarks by Commissioner Avramopoulos in Athens http://www.europeansources.info/record/speech-remarks-by-commissioner-avramopoulos-in-athens/

The Conversation, 19.10.15: Report from Lesvos: without safe access to asylum, people will keep risking their lives in the Aegean https://theconversation.com/report-from-lesvos-without-safe-access-to-asylum-people-will-keep-risking-their-lives-in-the-aegean-49313

ESO: Information Guide: European Migration Challenges http://www.europeansources.info/record/information-guide-european-migration-challenges/

ESO: Background information: Refugee Crisis: European Commission reports on progress in implementation of priority actions http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-refugee-crisis-european-commission-reports-on-progress-in-implementation-of-priority-actions/

Kathimerini, 19.10.15: Greek coast guard rescues 2,561 migrants over the weekend http://www.ekathimerini.com/202627/article/ekathimerini/news/greek-coast-guard-rescues-2561-migrants-over-the-weekend

ESO: Background information: Opening Remarks of First Vice-President Frans Timmermans and Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos at Kos Press Conference http://www.europeansources.info/record/speech-opening-remarks-of-first-vice-president-frans-timmermans-and-commissioner-dimitris-avramopoulos-at-kos-press-conference/

Deutsche Welle, 16.10.15: Lesbos opens first Greek 'hotspot' refugee reception center http://dw.com/p/1GpUj

ESO: Background information: Meeting on the Western Balkans Migration Route: Leaders Agree on 17-point plan of action http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-meeting-on-the-western-balkans-migration-route-leaders-agree-on-17-point-plan-of-action/

Kathimerini, 02.11.15: Total of 19 dead recovered from Aegean Sea http://www.ekathimerini.com/203036/article/ekathimerini/news/total-of-19-dead-recovered-from-aegean-sea

Kathimerini, 02.11.15: Germany wants Greece 'hotspots' ready this month http://www.ekathimerini.com/203049/article/ekathimerini/news/germany-wants-greece-hotspots-ready-this-month

Kathimerini, 30.10.15: Kurdish pop singer barely survives Aegean migrant shipwreck http://www.ekathimerini.com/202984/article/ekathimerini/community/kurdish-pop-singer-barely-survives-aegean-migrant-shipwreck

Spiegel Online International, 03.11.15: Hotspots: Europe Debates Initial Reception Centers for Refugees http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/europe-debates-initial-reception-centers-for-refugees-a-1060892.html

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