Since 2015, over 25,000 vulnerable refugees and asylum seekers, including unaccompanied children, have been relocated from Greece to other European countries. These relocation programmes – the result of Decisions of the Council of the EU establishing an emergency mandatory relocation scheme, bilateral agreements between EU Member States and Greece, and a voluntary EU scheme established in 2020 – have transformed the lives and prospects of these people.Despite a significant decrease in arrivals in 2020 and 2021, there is still a compelling need for continued relocation from Greece.At the same time, European countries and the European Commission have the resources and ability to offer these vulnerable individuals a brighter future.
As the voluntary EU scheme is scheduled to come to an end, 27 civil society organizations call for the continuation of relocation from the country. This briefing paper, based on the organizations’ experiences both in Greece and in destination countries, offers their perspective on how to improve the process and outcomes for those being relocated, particularly for unaccompanied child.
