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.

Libya’s Permanent Representative, Ambassador Taher El-Sonni, pushed back against claims that his country had provoked tensions, following reports of planned research activity in contested waters

There has been a 173% increase in arrivals to Greece from Eastern Libya, indicating a sharp rise in migratory pressure on the Eastern Mediterranean front

"I have asked the Minister of National Defence and the military leadership to ensure that naval ships are dispatched outside Libyan waters," Mitsotakis said.

Sources at the Greek Foreign Ministry say "Greece is not afraid to exercise its own sovereign rights."

News that east Libya's parliament is eying the creation of a committee to study the maritime deal, which Greece considers as illegal, has reverberated throughout the wider region

Media reports later cited five fatalities, dozens missing; 124 people rescued in 3 separate incidents involving migrant boats in the same sea region over recent period

Media reports on Tuesday: 17 European nations, including Greece, call for new laws to achieve 'effective returns' to deal with irregular migrant issue

Press report in Athens quotes military source as saying F-16s scramble to ID Russian planes flying from Syria to Libya through southern-most part of Athens FIR