There is no point on simply saying “do not let the terrorists get in.” When you turn your back on every refugee, because he/she could be a terrorist, you turn your back on almost 20 million people. And when you turn your back on 20 million people, then we will all face a global crisis”.

These are words of a volunteer who offers her services on the island of Lesvos. Since last January, more than 428,000 refugees have arrived on the island, seeking safety and an opportunity to live another life. The total number of refugees having arrived in Greece exceeds 730,000.

For Europe, the refugee crisis is gradually becoming an existential one. The dilemma is huge: if Europe leaves its external borders open, the Schengen Agreement will collapse and so will the fundamental principle of the EU, that of free movement of people. But if it closes its outer gates, this will destabilize countries such as Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan, which, until now, have welcomed millions of refugees. Besides, the financial support of Turkey and other countries to keep refugees in their territories – as decided at the recent summit of EU leaders – apart from being costly, is not a viable solution.
Until the conflicts raging in the Middle East, Africa and elsewhere are not resolved, Europe will be destabilizing, while at same time a million more people will be driven to despair and more fanatical positions. In any case, no wall around Europe is sturdy enough to prevent the influx of aspiring terrorists.

In Greece, the challenge of managing the refugee flow is huge. The greatest danger, however, that Europe is currently facing is the possibility of exiting the Schengen Agreement and other European countries closing their borders, one after another. If this happens, we will be forced, alone and isolated, to accommodate dozens if not hundreds of thousands of refugees indefinitely.
Unfortunately, the European plan to relocate 160,000 asylum seekers from Greece and Italy to other EU countries has not yet been implemented, and thus pressure on neighboring countries remains high. In Greece, the only official “hot spot” where refugees can be identified, registered, and take the necessary document to continue their journey, operates in Lesvos.
In Greece, only 1% of refugees arriving apply for asylum: since last January, the total number has not exceeded 9,000, and the authorities do not create any incentive for them: no accommodation, no food, no education and no employment opportunities.
It would be devastating to lose more valuable time and not directly promote the following three priorities: (a) set up and operate the “hot spots” – registration centers, (b) enhance the initial reception infrastructure and (c) develop long-term accommodation and integration facilities for some of the refugees.

According to the 17-point plan agreed by the EU leaders on October 25th, Greece must step up its efforts and respond quickly to the increased needs for the reception of refugees. This is where the contribution of civil society and organizations is much needed. For example, “SolidarityNow”, which, with the support of Open Society Foundations and the Norwegian government (EEA) and the valuable cooperation of humanitarian organizations such as Doctors without Borders, the International Rescue Committee and others, including local authorities, has developed significant actions for the assistance and immediate relief of refugees.
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Mr. Alivizatos, Ms. Lyberaki, Mr. Rozakis and Ms. Triantafyllidou, are members of the Board of Directors of “SolidarityNow”.