While the Greek government is taking unilateral steps to manage the situation, officials stress that a long-term solution must be shared across the continent.

The amendment stipulates that, for a period of three months, individuals arriving by sea from North African countries without formal authorization will not be permitted to file asylum applications.

"The humanitarian situation would be manageable if authorities had addressed the lack of reception capacity in a timely manner", said the Council of Europe’s Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O’Flaherty

The UNHCR reminded Greece of its obligations, stating that while border control is legitimate, it must never undermine the legal right to asylum

After all, sheep and goats raised by loyal party patrons seem far more politically rewarding than the chickens on the plates of Sudanese refugees.

Over 1,500 migrants have arrived in Crete in recent days, overwhelming local infrastructure and prompting emergency transfers to mainland Greece amid a dramatic rise in migration

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

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

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

The plan responds to a new tactic used by smugglers: transporting migrants to the sea's edge in phases and loading dinghies directly from beaches

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

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.

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

The bill, introduced by Minister of Immigration Makis Voridis, is intended to streamline the deportation of third-country nationals, and criminalize those who are undocumented.

The ministerial cabinet meeting will be held on Wednesday at 11:00 at the Maximos Mansion.

Central among the Commissioner’s concerns is the persistent allegation of illegal “pushbacks” — the forced return of migrants without due process — in the Evros region and the Aegean Sea.

The visit of the President of Egypt to Greece marks the further strengthening of the strategic relationship between Athens and Cairo and solidifies the role of Greece and Egypt as pillars of stability in the Eastern Mediterranean.

The Greek coastguard and police as well as a ship that was passing by the area are assisting in the search and rescue mission.

In addition to commenting on defense spending and migration at the end of the EU Summit, the Greek PM voiced concerns over Turkey's democratic backsliding.