Doubts simmer over EU plan to fund new refugee camps in Greece

The bloc is set to announce a 250 million-euro investment, but rights groups have told Al Jazeera the sites may not improve life for those on the islands.

Athens, Greece – A top European Union official is set to announce a 250-million euro ($295m) fund for new refugee camps to be built on Greece’s Aegean islands, but rights groups have warned the investment may do little to support those living in precarious conditions. EU Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson, is expected to visit Lesbos and Samos on Monday with Greek Migration Minister Notis Mitarachi. Johansson has said the funds for the camps, or Multi-Purpose Reception and Identification Centres (MPRICs), should be sufficient for “acceptable standards”, to be delivered “on a reasonable timetable”.