The Ombudsman opened an own-initiative inquiry to assess how the European Commission ensures respect for fundamental rights in EU-funded migration management facilities in Greece. Concerns have been raised that the ‘Multi-Purpose Reception and Identification Centres’ (MPRICs) for accommodating refugees and migrants, which receive funds through the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) and the Internal Security Fund (ISF), pose potential fundamental rights risks. The Commission has a duty to ensure that EU-funded initiatives uphold fundamental rights. 

As a first step in the inquiry, the Ombudsman asked the Commission for a meeting and inspection of documents. The Ombudsman also sent the questions to be discussed with the Commission during the meeting, and asked for an inspection of specific documents.