Greece is calling on the European Union to strengthen its migration policies as it anticipates a significant rise in migrants and refugees due to escalating conflicts in the Middle East. Nikos Panagiotopoulos, Greece’s Migration Minister, highlighted on Wednesday that the current migration flows might soon overwhelm the country’s capacity to handle arrivals.
Panagiotopoulos explained that Greece has been preparing by considering new detention centers on the islands of Rhodes and Crete. The country has already witnessed a notable increase in sea arrivals, with numbers more than doubling since last fall. Panagiotopoulos projected that by the end of the year, Greece could see as many as 50,000 new arrivals.
Current migrant camps on Greek islands are already full, while mainland facilities are at roughly 60% capacity. The migration minister noted that most people arriving are coming from Turkey, but there are also arrivals from North Africa, as regional conflicts continue to drive people from their homes.
Some migrants are now arriving from Lebanon, though Panagiotopoulos pointed out that Greece has not yet observed a large-scale influx from the area. He expressed concern that the country might soon see larger numbers, depending on the development of conflicts in the Middle East.
Panagiotopoulos emphasized that Greece is working to push for stricter EU migration policies under the leadership of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who is in her second term. Although the Greek government seeks tougher border controls and stronger deportation measures, Panagiotopoulos clarified that Greece remains committed to working within the current EU framework.
The European Union agreed this year on a significant migration pact, which is scheduled to go into effect in mid-2026 after further discussions. Greek officials are hoping to influence these talks to enhance border security and develop more efficient deportation processes, which they view as crucial for a sustainable solution.
“We are advocating for a European approach that aligns with the European Migration and Asylum Pact,” Panagiotopoulos stated. He added that the pact took eight years to negotiate, but now Greece wants the EU to begin implementing it and address the rising migration concerns facing frontline countries like Greece.
The Greek government’s call for a stronger EU response reflects the country’s urgency in managing migration challenges while navigating the geopolitical issues driving these flows.