ATHENS, Greece — The top migration official of the European Union highlighted on Thursday the essential nature of deportations within the bloc, particularly as Greece faces a surge in unauthorized arrivals.
“We must ensure that we deliver on the topic of returns,” stated EU migration commissioner Magnus Brunner during a meeting with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Athens.
Brunner, who took on the role in late 2024, emphasized the need to effectively implement the EU’s newly established Migration and Asylum Pact.
“There are still tasks ahead of us, and implementing this pact is one of our priorities,” he noted.
With Greece serving as a critical access point for migrants entering the EU, the country has been a staunch advocate for enhanced immigration regulations.
Prime Minister Mitsotakis acknowledged the challenges Greece has repeatedly faced amid the ongoing migration crisis and expressed approval of the EU’s recent policy adjustments, particularly regarding external border security and a stronger emphasis on returns.
In a recent rescue operation, Greek authorities responded to the plight of 36 migrants who were on a vessel detected by a Maltese-flagged tanker approximately 30 nautical miles southeast of Gavdos Island. Coast guard vessels successfully transported the migrants to a nearby port in Crete, according to official reports.
Brunner’s visit to Greece coincides with a recent ruling from the European Court of Human Rights, which determined that Greece had unlawfully deported a Turkish individual, labeling the practice of pushbacks as “systematic.” In response, Greece firmly rejects any allegations of pushbacks, insisting that its migration approach is “strict, but fair.”
The country has recorded over 60,000 unauthorized arrivals in 2024 alone, marking a significant rise of nearly 50% in sea arrivals over the last eighteen months.
Greece is currently pursuing direct funding from the EU to enhance its border fortifications along the border with Turkey.
Brunner has a packed agenda that includes discussions with various Greek ministers dealing with migration, maritime, and foreign affairs, before continuing to Cyprus on Friday for additional negotiations pertaining to migration strategies.
