Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has reinforced his government’s tough stance on irregular migration, declaring in an interview with German outlet Bild that “Greece is not an open corridor to Europe.” His comments come as the country grapples with a renewed influx of migrants arriving by sea from North Africa.
Calling for urgent, coordinated action from the European Union, Mitsotakis emphasized the need for closer cooperation with Libya and other transit countries to curb migration at its source. While reaffirming Greece’s support for legal migration channels, he stressed that the current crisis demands a collective European response, not just reliance on frontline states like Greece.
“We support lawful migration and the right to asylum,” Mitsotakis said. “But the burden cannot fall only on countries like Greece. The EU must act.”
Over 500 Migrants Rescued; Traffickers Arrested
The Prime Minister’s remarks followed the dramatic rescue of 515 migrants by the Greek Coast Guard near the island of Gavdos, south of Crete. Among them were 85 minors, according to Greek authorities. The rescued individuals have been transferred to state-run reception centers in Lavrio, Evros, Diavata, and Malakasa.
In connection with the incident, eight Egyptian nationals identified as suspected traffickers were arrested and charged with illegal entry and belonging to a criminal organization. The arrests underscore Greece’s intensifying efforts to crack down on human smuggling networks operating in the Mediterranean.
Tougher Legislation and Hardening Rhetoric
On Friday, the Greek Parliament passed a series of stricter laws targeting illegal sea arrivals, particularly from North Africa, marking a significant escalation in the country’s migration policy. The move is part of what government officials describe as a strategy to “secure borders, not just offer sympathy.”
Greece’s Migration Minister added fuel to the policy shift by dismissing what he referred to as “fairy tales with baby mamas,” a controversial comment that has drawn criticism from human rights groups. The statement reflects a hardened tone from Athens, signaling that the government is prepared to challenge commonly accepted narratives around asylum-seekers.
Greece Calls for European Solidarity
Greece, along with Italy and Spain, remains on the front lines of Europe’s complex migration debate. With migration flows once again increasing in the Mediterranean, the Mitsotakis administration is making it clear that Athens will push for stronger EU border controls and expanded support mechanisms for frontline states.
“We will not allow traffickers to exploit our waters, and we will not allow Greece to become Europe’s waiting room,” Mitsotakis stated.
As Europe heads into the summer months traditionally a peak period for irregular sea crossings the effectiveness of Greece’s latest measures and the EU’s response remain to be seen.
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