VP/HR — German navy vessels dispatched to the Mediterranean for the stated purpose of conducting unilateral refugee rescue operations to the south of Crete independently of Frontex
| 8 May 2015 |
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| Question for written answer to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative) Rule 130 Notis Marias (ECR) |
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It was reported early in May that two German navy vessels, the frigate Hessen and the combat support ship Berlin, dispatched to the Mediterranean for the stated purpose of conducting refugee rescue operations in the Greek exclusive economic zone to the south of Crete, have now docked at Souda (Crete) in order to refuel.
Dozens of German troops have also been flown to Heraklion and sent on by road to Souda to join the vessels.
Citing a German military source, the above reports indicate that the vessels will be operating independently of Frontex.
In view of this:
| 1. | Does the High Representative approve of the unilateral operations to be conducted by the two German naval vessels independently of Frontex for the stated purpose of rescuing refugee’s? |
| 2. | Are these operations by the German navy within the Greek EEZ, for the stated purpose of rescuing refugees and preventing illegal migration, in accordance with international law, EC law, in particular provisions relating to the ‘Triton’ and ‘Poseidon’ operations, and the European Council decision of 23/04/2015? |
| 3. | Has the High Representative discussed the matter with the Greek authorities and, if so, what conclusions were reached? |
Source: European Parliament
| Answer given by Mr Avramopoulos on behalf of the Commission | |
| The Statement adopted at the special meeting of the European Council on 23 April 2015 undertook that the European Union will mobilise all efforts at its disposal to prevent further loss of life at sea.
Several Member States offered contributions to the reinforcement of Joint Operations Triton and Poseidon Sea coordinated by Frontex. The objective of the joint operations is to ensure effective control at the external borders of the EU whilst assisting Member States in situations involving humanitarian emergencies and rescue at sea. Having regard to the fact that the national legislation of some Member States, including Germany, does not allow naval assets to carry out border control, the German naval assets referred to by the Honourable Member are not integrated in Triton. However, they provide assistance to Search and Rescue in the Central Mediterranean in the framework of a bilateral arrangement concluded with Italy, who is the host Member State of Joint-Operation Triton. Neither the Commission nor the High-Representative is involved in setting up such bilateral arrangements among the Member States. However, both very much welcome and fully support the participation of the Member States’ naval forces in Search and Rescue activities and their contributions to saving lives at sea. |
Source: European Parliament
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