Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has made serious accusations against European authorities, claiming they deliberately sabotaged migrant boats in the Aegean and Mediterranean seas, leading to the deaths of asylum seekers. Speaking this week, Erdoğan said some migrant vessels were “ruthlessly punctured,” resulting in tragic drownings.
The Turkish president’s remarks have reignited tensions around Europe’s handling of migration, especially the alleged use of illegal “pushback” tactics by some EU member states. These tactics involve preventing asylum seekers from reaching European shores, sometimes through dangerous or inhumane means.
“Don’t forget, there were migrants who drowned because their boats were punctured,” Erdoğan stated. “We’ve seen this happen; we’ve experienced it. It was carried out in a ruthless way.”
Although Erdoğan did not name specific countries, his comments appear to target EU border forces, especially those in the eastern Mediterranean, including Greece and Cyprus. These nations have been key transit points for migrants attempting to enter Europe, especially from conflict-affected countries like Syria and Afghanistan.
Cyprus, in particular, has reported an increase in sea arrivals in recent months. The island has asked the EU for more support, saying it is struggling to manage the flow of irregular migrants. At the same time, Cyprus has faced criticism from rights groups over how it handles asylum seekers, including allegations of detentions and inadequate facilities.
Erdoğan also referred to a recent United Nations report that revealed more than 72,000 migrants have died or gone missing on migration routes globally since 2014. “Almost every day, we hear of a tragedy involving people searching for hope,” he added.
He further emphasized the plight of Syrian refugee children, many of whom remain unaccounted for after fleeing to Europe. His comments underline the broader humanitarian crisis linked to migration in the region, especially as thousands risk their lives at sea each year in search of safety and a better future.
So far, no official response has come from European governments or EU border agencies regarding Erdoğan’s claims. However, the comments come at a sensitive time, as pressure mounts on frontline countries like Greece and Cyprus to tighten their borders while still respecting international laws on refugee protection.
What is the key concern raised by President Erdoğan?
President Erdoğan’s main concern is that some EU authorities may be intentionally sabotaging migrant boats in the Aegean and Mediterranean seas, leading to deaths and violating human rights.