Disproportionate surveillance in the refugee camps – My Open Letter to the EU Commission
The inhumane conditions in the camps for refugees on the Greek islands have horrified us all, but so have the methods used to monitor the inhabitants. In the camps, the surveillance system CENTAUR is deployed, which monitors the residents around the clock with cameras, drones, X-ray scanners, electronic exit controls and loudspeakers. It is financed with 37 million euros from the Greek Recovery Fund – hidden under the disguise of the digitalisation of migration systems. I learned about it through this investigation: https://dasneuemoria.eu/
It left me stunned because the methods used are violating the privacy of people in need and treat them like criminals. Such measures are disproportionate and not in line with EU guidelines. When even the beds of residents can be partially viewed, this no longer resembles the considerate use of technology – especially since the funds are supposed to be used for sustainable recovery. I call on the EU to review the misuse of EU funds in the Greek refugee camps and to ensure a proportionate use.
Read Erik’s and my letter to the European Commission here.
As the Green Group in the European Parliament, we want to bring the disproportionate surveillance methods to December’s plenary session.