Reports come from the sidelines of a Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome on Thursday, following talks by Ursula von der Leyen, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, host Italian PM Giorgia Meloni and Maltese PM Robert Abela

Plevris said cooperation with Turkey has effectively reduced crossings at Greece’s northeastern land border and the eastern Aegean islands; however, the main challenge remains the Libyan maritime route.

Reports have Al-Sadiq Haftar as saying that Tuesday's very public 'snub' of a visiting EU delegation to Benghazi was not aimed at Athens

‘All migrants who enter the country illegally will be arrested and detained,' the Greek PM announced in Parliament, referring to the ongoing situation on Crete from irregular migrant arrivals emanating from eastern Libya

The Libyan government presented what it calls a "comprehensive national plan" to address illegal migration, which includes dismantling smuggling networks, strengthening border controls, and restoring order in areas dominated by criminal groups

As irregular migrant flows from Libya surge toward Greek shores—especially Crete—the Greek government is preparing to adopt severe deterrent measures to manage what officials describe as an escalating crisis

Amid strong winds and overcrowded local facilities, Greek authorities coordinated a large-scale rescue of over 500 migrants from a fishing vessel near Gavdos, as migrant arrivals from Libya continue to surge

EU Commissioner and Ministers from Greece, Italy, and Malta declared persona non grata by eastern Libyan authorities

The delegation, led by the relevant EU Commissioner, was ordered to leave Benghazi after the de facto leader of eastern Libya, Gen. Haftar, declined to meet with them

By June 30, 7,124 individuals had arrived from Libya, according to data from the Hellenic Coast Guard. In June alone, a record 2,564 people reached Crete

On Sunday nearly 1,000 people arrived via landings or after being picked up by authorities south of Crete. A day later another 489 were located by the coast guard and Frontex units

Later in the day, Gerapetritis also met with Belkacem Haftar, who is tasked with Libya’s reconstruction efforts.

At the forefront of the minister’s agenda are the bilateral relations between Greece and Libya, as well as the urgent need to initiate discussions on the delimitation of maritime zones.

Migrant smugglers operating from eastern Libya have recently stepped efforts to reach or get near Crete before calling authorities for assistance

The Commissioner also outlined upcoming legislative initiatives at the European level, including reforms related to returns and the concept of safe third countries, which are critical to combating irregular migration

Stepped up migrant smuggling flows emanating from strife-plagued Libya are expected to top Magnus Brunner 's agenda of talks with Greek leadership

The report was first posted on X by the Libya Observer outlet.

Regarding the controversial Turkey-Libya maritime accord, Mitsotakis underscored the importance of the European Council's reaffirming language—at Athens' request—that deems the agreement 'null, void and illegal'

In a pointed message, Mitsotakis stated: “We must convey to the Libyan authorities that this practice cannot be accepted,” revealing his intention to seek the European Union’s backing on the matter.

Libya’s Foreign Ministry accused Greece of violating its sovereign rights by demarcating two offshore blocks south of Crete.