‘If Turkey-EU deal fails, 200,000 refugees will come to Greece’

Some 200,000 refugees and migrants would flock to Greece if the agreement between Turkey and the European Union collapses, the Vice President of the New Democracy (ND) party, Adonis Georgiadis, warned yesterday.

In an interview with Greece’s Skai TV, Georgiadis said that if the conflict between Turkey and European countries continues, Ankara will end the refugee deal.

“Then 200,000 refugees and migrants will most likely reach the Greek islands,” he stressed.

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The Greek politician noted the negative economic impact that would result from such an event.

According to official statistics, the number of migrants and refugees that have reached Greece has declined by 95 per cent a year after the EU-Turkey deal was implemented. Greece is currently sheltering more than 60,000 refugees.

In March 2016, Turkey and the European Union reached a deal that aimed to combat illegal immigration and human trafficking.

Relations between Turkey and a number of European countries have been strained in recent months. Last week, Germany and the Netherlands prevented two Turkish ministers from entering the country to encourage Turks living in Europe to vote yes in a referendum scheduled in 16 April that would give Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan more power.