A Mixed Method Approach on Greek Civil Society Organizations Supporting Migrants During the Refugee Crisis

Between 2015 and the beginning of 2016, Greece became one of the epicenters of the European migrant crisis as it was one of the major entry points by the sea of thousands of refugees entering its territory en route to wealthier countries. The unpreparedness of the Greek state and the European Union leaders to deal with the massive migrant flows significantly contributed to the pivotal role that informal and formal actors, including civil society migrant organizations, played to respond to migrants’ needs. The article using data from the EU-funded TransSOL project and applying a mixed method approach with the rationale of complementarity explores attributes (such as organizational structure, main activities, ultimate aims and means to achieve them, collaborative networks, etc.) as well as unveils the meaning of solidarity initiatives of specific formal and informal migrant organizations operating in the country. The indicative findings provide some preliminary evidence on the distinct features of informal and formal migrant organizations uncovering their diverse roles and tasks in meeting migrants’ needs and rights in Greece. It is recommended that further research on migrant organizations examining their main features and potential challenges in supporting migrants is essential not only for migrants themselves but for the whole society, specifically in times marked by a refugee crisis.