Europe faced with ‘Omicron’ mutation – Mitsotakis proposals at the Summit

By Dimitris Gatsios

With the curtain falling on the “27” leaders’ summit in Brussels, what is becoming clear is that the rapid spread of the new “Omicron” strain of the pandemic virus is causing widespread concern in European capitals. The uncharted waters of mutation, especially at this time of intense coloring and socializing, during the Christmas and New Year holidays, intensify the reflection, as it came to the fore during the work of the European Council. The need to extend vaccination, for more boosts, but also for a concerted effort in the fight against Covid-19 is the highlight of the “27” at this critical time, although Member States do not reach a travel agreement. within the European Union and the duration of the European Vaccination Certificate.

The question, however, hovering above the… Brussels sky, at the end of another Summit in the main menu of which developments on the pandemic front were found, is whether the European capitals will, sooner or later, move on to further measures to protect citizens from the “Omicron” executive. After the CD ECDC’s loud bell, which sounded a warning for a difficult winter, with a possible increase in illness and death, all possibilities should be considered open, especially since the… imprint of the festive days bears the data of Covid-19. At the same time, the Prime Minister, in his intervention in the work of the Summit, stressed that there should be no complacency about the mutation, while, at the same time:

-He highlighted the need, apart from the vaccinations with the booster dose, to be tested during the holidays, as decided by Greece, but also by Italy, which supported the same line.

Regarding the validity of the European Vaccination Certificate, he proposed the “six plus one” months, instead of the “six plus three” proposed by the European Commission.

There is obviously a strong concern about the onset of the “Omicron” mutation, which will sooner or later appear in all European countries. That is why it is absolutely imperative that we step up the acceleration of vaccination, giving even more emphasis to the third dose, as our scientists indicate that at this stage it is the best line of defense that we have “, the Prime Minister noted, coming to the work of the Summit At the same time, Athens is updating the travel instructions for entry into our country decided in the shadow of the new strain of the pandemic virus.The updated measures include either a negative molecular test of 72 hours or a rapid test of 24 hours for all travelers over The mutant strain, which is spreading at high speeds across Europe, now counts 17 cases in Greece, with forecasts that are ominous, as it is expected to increase in Looking ahead to the next two festive weeks, the government remains steadfast in the strategy it has devised. “We have provided the opportunity for a free self test for everyone, vaccinated and unvaccinated, in order to check their epidemiological situation and in case they are carriers of the disease, to protect themselves and not inadvertently contribute to the spread of the infection. We announced PCR for people who will visit the country, for our fellow citizens who will return from abroad for the holiday season, and we have a specific framework, in terms of how it works in the public sphere, in open spaces, in closed spaces “, said Mr. Oikonomou, during the briefing of the journalists.

Mitsotaki peaks against Turkey for immigration

In the other agenda of the “27” Summit, according to information, the prime minister in the discussion on Ukraine informed about the results of the meeting he had in Sochi, Russia with President Putin. The Prime Minister remains firm in his position that the de-escalation is in everyone’s interest, because there will be severe sanctions in case of aggressive actions, with the implementation of the Minsk agreement and the reactivation of the meetings within the Normandy format to be basis for crisis relief. On the refugee-immigrant front, Mr. Mitsotakis proceeded with the full presentation of the policy of the Greek government. In this context it was mentioned, always according to the same information:

-In the protection of borders which are also European borders.

-In the new structures.

-In the acceleration of asylum procedures.

-In the “Sun” program for the policy of integration of those entitled to international protection and for unaccompanied minors.

The Prime Minister, in fact, highlighted, once again, addressing his counterparts the responsibilities of Turkey at the border, but also the non-compliance of Ankara with its obligations from the 2016 Declaration.