Ceuta becomes a warning for Europe’s external borders
The latest migration surge in Ceuta, Spain’s autonomous enclave bordering Morocco, has reignited the European debate over border security and irregular migration.
Reacting to the developments, Greek Migration and Asylum Minister Thanos Plevris argued that the events demonstrate how migrant-smuggling networks constantly adapt, searching for vulnerabilities along the European Union’s external frontier.
“Smuggling networks are waiting for opportunities. We are ready to take every necessary measure to protect our homeland whenever required.”
Drawing parallels with Evros and Libya
Plevris compared the situation in Ceuta with two major migration crises Greece has faced under Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
The first was the February 2020 Evros border crisis, when thousands of migrants gathered along Greece’s land border with Turkey.
The second followed increased arrivals from Libya in July 2025, when the Greek government suspended the processing of asylum applications for migrants arriving through that route and introduced mandatory detention for those entering the country irregularly.
“On both occasions, we protected our country against what we considered an attempted mass border breach, despite criticism from NGOs and self-described humanitarian groups.”
The minister also criticized Greece’s 2015 migration policy, arguing that the country experienced unprecedented migration flows without an effective state response.
Government points to declining arrivals
Plevris presented figures that, according to the government, demonstrate the effectiveness of Greece’s tougher migration strategy.
According to the data he cited:
- more than 3,500 irregular arrivals from Libya were recorded in Crete during July 2025;
- by July 2026, arrivals had fallen to fewer than 1,400.
The minister attributed the decline to:
- stricter migration enforcement,
- diplomatic engagement with partner countries,
- intensified operations by the Hellenic Coast Guard,
- increased policing efforts.
“Greece is helping reshape EU migration policy”
Plevris argued that Greece is now playing a leading role in shaping a more restrictive European migration framework.
According to the minister, stronger protection of the EU’s external borders and more effective return policies are increasingly becoming central priorities across the Union.
“Firm policies, active diplomacy, and the dedication of the men and women of the Coast Guard and the Police are producing tangible results.”
“This is not humanitarianism—it is a crime”
The Greek minister concluded with one of his strongest political messages.
“Allowing irregular mass entry into Europe through public policy is not humanitarianism—it is a crime.”
The statement reflects the Greek government’s position that protecting the European Union’s external borders is essential both for national security and for combating transnational human-smuggling networks.
The developments in Ceuta once again highlight the growing pressure on the European Union’s external borders and the strategic importance of frontline member states. Greece argues that the measures implemented since the Evros crisis in 2020—including strengthened border controls, enhanced maritime surveillance, and closer cooperation with transit countries—have contributed to a significant reduction in irregular arrivals. At the same time, migration policy remains one of the EU’s most politically sensitive issues. While several member states advocate tougher border enforcement and faster returns, humanitarian organizations and some political actors continue to raise concerns about asylum rights, proportionality, and compliance with international refugee law. The debate illustrates the ongoing challenge of balancing border security with Europe’s legal and humanitarian obligations.
Source: pagenews.gr