ΑΛΛΗΛΕΓΓΥΗ ΣΤΗΝ ΕΕ: ΕΞΕΛΙΞΕΙΣ ΣΤΟ ΠΕΔΙΟ ΤΗΣ ΠΡΟΣΦΥΓΙΚΗΣ ΠΡΟΣΤΑΣΙΑΣ ΚΑΙ ΠΡΟΚΛΗΣΕΙΣ ΣΤΗΝ ΕΕ ΚΑΙ ΣΤΗΝ ΕΛΛΑΔΑ

174 The ‘hotspot’ approach: key findings from Greece efficient and principled execution of all administrative procedures related to new- comers. The procedural shortcomings, particularly after the EU-Turkey statement, have resulted in severe violations of core rights of the newcomers and obligations of the Greek authorities under Greek, EU and international law. 98 Effective and rights-sensitive reception, identification and registration in the hotspots as well as effective and swift access to the asylum procedure should be granted to all individuals arriving in the hotspots, irrespective of nationality. Moreover, equal treatment in reception conditions and in registration and iden- tification procedures, accurate and up to date information throughout the whole process in a language that the refugees understand, clarity with regards to the re- lationship between national authorities and EU agencies, alternative shelters and other accommodation arrangements adapted to vulnerable people and suited to address their special needs should be guaranteed in order to reduce the duration of stay in the hotspots to the absolute minimum as they are not conducive to or- ganise appropriate procedures. Access to the basic human rights and public services mentioned above is the ini- tial step for supporting asylum seekers and future recognised refugees to become self-sufficient, contributing members of their new communities in Greece or other EU countries. Caught up in the emergency response, the government has only re- cently started discussions about ways to integrate refugees into the social services and welfare system. Thus, except for elements that cover basic needs, a holistic integration plan at the national level has not been designed, despite repeated an- nouncements from the involved state agencies in various meetings. Integration, in addition to a legal obligation, should also be a political priority. The government must provide the formal requirements and substantial conditions for the inclusion of refugee populations in the social fabric of the country. 98. The implementation of the hotspots in Italy and Greece, a study, AIDA REPORT, last updated: 26/09/17 http://www.asylumineurope.org/reports/country/greece.