Deputy Foreign Minister Markos Bolaris on Tuesday presented to parliament a draft amendment for ensuring that Greek citizens in the UK can vote in the European elections without any problems.
“The amendment adds to the measures already taken to ensure the unobstructed participation of Greek citizens residing in the United Kingdom in the European elections. The amendment therefore ensures that, regardless of whether Britain stays in the EU or not, Greek citizens will exercise their right to vote as normal,” Bolaris said, addressing the plenary.
The deputy foreign minister also informed the legislators that “for this reason the Consular Office at the London Embassy has been reinforced with [extra] staff and at the same time, a registration portal has been opened where Greek citizens living in the United Kingdom can register to vote.” The amendment allows voters to register until April 10.
Bolaris also briefed MPs on the provisions of the amendment concerning British citizens in Greece, in the case of a no-deal Brexit.
“We hope that it will not be needed, but the country must be prepared for this event,” Bolaris said and explained that the amendment addresses the question of the residence of British citizens, those who are present in Greece, those who arrive until the end of the year but also those that come later. He pointed out that there is provision on the part of Greece for the tourists who will come to the country. In addition, the amendment contains provisions on the rights of British citizens, legal entities and UK-based companies.
“It is self-evident that if an agreement between the EU and UK is signed, its provisions will override [the amendment],” Bolaris added, noting that the amendment was only prepared to deal with an “emergency event that we all hope will be avoided.”
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