Greece’s parliament is debating a major overhaul of migration policy as the country grapples with the fallout from a deadly shipwreck off the island of Chios, an incident that has reignited scrutiny of border enforcement practices in the eastern Mediterranean.
At least 15 people are confirmed dead following a collision between a migrant boat and a vessel of the Hellenic Coast Guard during an attempted interception. A preliminary investigation is under way, but the tragedy has already sharpened political divisions over migration, border control, and state accountability.
What the bill proposes
The draft legislation, introduced by the Ministry of Migration and Asylum, seeks to tighten penalties for migrant smuggling, speed up deportations following rejected asylum claims, and simplify residence permit renewals for migrants already living and working legally in Greece.
Presenting the bill, Migration Minister Thanos Plevris said the government aims to draw a clearer line between legal migration and irregular entry, combining tougher enforcement with reduced bureaucracy for lawful residents. The government argues the reforms are necessary as Greece remains a frontline EU state facing continued migration pressure from the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
Political backlash and demands for answers
Opposition parties accused the government of hardening its migration stance while failing to address serious questions surrounding the Chios incident, including whether Coast Guard protocols were followed and whether state responsibility should be examined.
Several opposition leaders called for a full and transparent investigation before conclusions are drawn, warning against policies that prioritise deterrence at the expense of human life. “Condolences are not enough — answers are needed,” opposition figures stressed during the debate.
A wider ideological clash
The parliamentary confrontation has also taken on a broader ideological tone. Critics accused the government of adopting rhetoric and practices aligned with hardline migration policies seen internationally, including during the presidency of Donald Trump, where migration has been framed primarily as a security issue.
The government rejects such comparisons, insisting that Greece operates within EU law and international maritime obligations, and that responsibility for deaths at sea lies with criminal smuggling networks.
Why this matters beyond Greece
The debate underscores a wider European challenge: how to balance border control with humanitarian obligations as irregular migration routes remain both deadly and politically explosive.
Greece has faced repeated international scrutiny in recent years over allegations of pushbacks and excessive force at its borders — claims the government denies. With migration once again high on the political agenda across Europe, the outcome of the debate — and the findings of the Chios investigation — will be closely watched in Brussels and other EU capitals.
