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.

Mitsotakis revealed the new directive to the Ministry of Migration and Asylum’s leadership, stating: "The new approach is clear: anyone entering the country illegally and not granted asylum should be returned to the country from which they came."

Greeks see climate change as the top global concern, while 71.5% feel uncertain about the future, believing that events are largely beyond their control.

Greece’s Ministry of Migration and Asylum requested and accepted the resignation of Ioannis Sfyrakis, Deputy Commissioner of the Asylum Service. 

Following his visit to Greece, the Council of Europe’s Human Rights Commissioner raises alarm over migrant abuses, Roma discrimination, and declining press freedom.

According to the European Commission, the Commissioner is expected to address Greece regarding pushbacks, citing the recent European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) ruling against Greece for the illegal deportation of a female migrant from Turkey.

The UN Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons has raised serious concerns about the treatment of trafficking victims in the Closed Control Access Center for asylum seekers on Samos Island, Greece.

UNHCR warns of rising migrant deaths in Greece, urging safer alternatives as 45 lives are lost in 2024 amid a surge in arrivals from Turkey.