Migrant crisis: Greece, Croatia and Italy face EU legal action

The European Commission says it has begun legal action against Greece, Croatia and Italy for failing to correctly register migrants. It says the three failed to implement the Eurodac Regulation, which involves fingerprinting asylum seekers and registering the data within 72 hours.

   The commission said it warned about the shortfalls two months ago. It has also launched an infringement case against Hungary over its asylum legislation. Hundreds of thousands of migrants have arrived in Europe in recent months, causing divisions among EU states.

   Almost half a million people arrived in Greece between 20 July and 30 November but Greek authorities have only fingerprinted about 121,000 of them, according to the European Commission. "Effective implementation of the Eurodac Regulation is essential for the functioning of the Dublin system and EU relocation schemes," a statement said.

   "The European Commission sent administrative letters to Greece, Croatia and Italy in October. Two months later, concerns have not been effectively addressed. The European Commission has therefore decided today to send Letters of Formal Notice to Greece, Croatia and Italy, the first step of an infringement procedure."

Πηγή: BBC