Greece Vows to Block New Migration Route, Says Greek PM Mitsotakis

In his weekly social media post, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis addressed the surge in migrant arrivals on Crete, emphasizing that Greece will not serve as an open gateway to Europe.“Migration is an ongoing challenge, not a passing crisis. It shifts, intensifies, or subsides but never vanishes. Smugglers adapt, exploiting vulnerabilities, and now they’re operating from Libya,” Mitsotakis said.

He pledged to take all necessary measures to prevent a new migration route through the Mediterranean, referencing the 2020 Evros border crisis when Greece blocked thousands of migrants from Turkey.

“Our message is firm: Greece will not permit a new illegal entry route into the country or Europe. As we did in Evros, we will act decisively to stop this,” he stated.

Mitsotakis announced emergency measures to halt the route from North Africa and urged Libyan authorities to cooperate, noting Greece’s role in Libya’s ties with the EU.

“We’re implementing urgent actions to close this route. We call on Libya to work with us, as its relationship with the EU is linked through Greece,” he said.

He acknowledged public concerns, adding, “Our stance is strict but lawful. I share citizens’ unease. The pressure is real, but our response is clear: Greece will not be an unguarded entry point.”

Source: greek city times