Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and German Chancellor Angela Merkel had telephone contact late on Wednesday ahead of the EU summit. During their conversation they discussed the refugee crisis that will be the main issue of the summit.

The fulfillment of Greece’s obligations towards Europe with the establishment of hot spots on five Greek islands as well as the issues that Greece has raised to Europe are to be discussed. These issues concern the resettlement of refugees in European countries and their relocation in other EU countries.
Another important issue of interest to Greece concerns the fact that a significant number of refugees, apart from Syrians, are Afghans from war zones for which refugee status should be recognized, say sources.

Greece hopes to receive compensatory actions to help support the islands that are the main gateways for refugees to enter Europe. The country hopes for the disbursement of additional EU funds.