The European Commission has called on Greece to investigate serious allegations of migrant pushbacks at its border, stressing that all border management must respect fundamental human rights.
Speaking in Brussels, European Commission spokesperson Markus Lammert said it is the responsibility of individual member states to examine any reported misconduct. He noted that while the Commission is aware of the claims, it is up to national authorities to establish the facts and take appropriate action if wrongdoing is confirmed.
The statement follows a report by the BBC, which alleged that Greek police recruited migrants to carry out violent pushbacks against other migrants attempting to cross into the country from Türkiye.
According to the investigation, these individuals were allegedly used as “mercenaries” to force migrants back across the border in the Evros region. The report, conducted in collaboration with the Consolidated Rescue Group, claims such practices may have been ongoing since at least 2020 and involved serious human rights abuses.
The European Commission emphasized that while border control is a national responsibility, all actions must comply with EU laws and uphold the rights and dignity of migrants. This includes ensuring that no one is subjected to violence, unlawful detention, or forced return without due process.
So far, Greek authorities have not issued an official response to the allegations. However, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has stated that he was “totally unaware” of the reported practices.
The issue of pushbacks has been a long-standing concern within the EU, with human rights organizations repeatedly warning about violations at several external borders. The latest claims are likely to increase pressure on Greece to conduct a transparent investigation and ensure accountability if abuses are confirmed.