EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

Parliamentary questions filed to the European parliament,
regarding the denial of entry of citizens into Greece

April 1, 2008

To the: Commission
Author: Mikel Irujo Amezaga
Subject: Denial of a Czech citizen to enter Greece

Over the years many persons have been denied entry into Greece based on seemingly “national security” concerns. The common denominator in these cases is the Macedonian ethnic identity of the persons concerned. The latest case involves a Czech citizen, Mr Done Rakovski.
1. Is the Commission of the opinion that the denial of Mr Rakovski to enter Greece is a violation of the right of free movement? If yes, what action will the Commission undertake to prevent future violations? If no, could the Commission indicate under what circumstances are member-states allowed to deny entry without stating the exactly the reasons?
2. Given that this case is one of many involving Greece and persons of Macedonian ethnicity, could the Commission investigate this matter? How many persons are on Greece's “black-list” and what are the exact reasons why they have been put onto this list? Is the Commission concerned about the fact that ethnicity seems to be a factor in such decisions taken by Greece?

To the: Council
Author: Mikel Irujo Amezaga
Subject: Denial of a Czech citizen to enter Greece

Over the years many persons have been denied entry into Greece based on seemingly “national security” concerns. The common denominator in these cases is the Macedonian ethnic identity of the persons concerned. The latest case involves a Czech citizen, Mr Done Rakovski.
1. Is the Council of the opinion that the denial of Mr Rakovski to enter Greece is a violation of the right of free movement? If yes, what action will the Council undertake to prevent future violations? If no, could the Council indicate under what circumstances are member-states allowed to deny entry without stating the exactly the reasons?
2. Given that this case is one of many involving Greece and persons of Macedonian ethnicity, could the Council investigate this matter? How many persons are on Greece's “black-list” and what are the exact reasons why they have been put onto this list? Is the Council concerned about the fact that ethnicity seems to be a factor in such decisions taken by Greece?

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