Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras warmly welcomed on Wednesday the lineup of the new European Commission and the appointment of Greek outgoing Defense Minister Dimitris Avramopoulos as Commissioner for Migration and Home Affairs.

Faced with a disproportionate burden of illegal migration inflows due to its geographical position, Greece was in particular interested in the new portfolio.

Greek officials felt that with Avramopoulos assuming his new role Athens could better promote its arguments regarding the shaping of the EU's migration policy.

"The decision of our friend European Commission President-elect Jean-Claude Juncker decision to give Greece one of the most critical portfolios is a great honor and a sign of the trust in our country," Samaras said in a statement issued by his office.

The Greek Premier wished "strength and success" to the entire Commission in the demanding work awaiting the team and also congratulated Greek Margaritis Schinas who takes over as new European Commission spokesman.

European Commission President-elect Jean Claude Juncker announced the lineup of the new European Commission on Wednesday, which is composed of 28 commissioners. Enditem

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