Greece is pushing for faster returns of people who are no longer entitled to international protection, placing itself at the forefront of a new European migration strategy. Athens, Copenhagen, Berlin, Vienna and The Hague are working on return hubs in third countries, with a first pilot project targeted for early 2027.
At the extraordinary EU Justice and Home Affairs Council, Greek Migration Minister Thanos Plevris presented Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis' proposal for a European emergency framework allowing temporary asylum suspension and rapid returns during large-scale hybrid migration attacks such as those seen in Ceuta and at the Evros border in 2020.
At the extraordinary EU Justice and Home Affairs Council, Migration Minister Thanos Plevris proposed a European emergency framework allowing the temporary suspension of asylum applications and accelerated returns in cases of mass migration weaponization, citing Ceuta and the 2020 Evros border crisis.
The Greek government says illegal arrivals from Libya have dropped sharply following stricter border policies, while warning that any renewed migration pressure will trigger an immediate security response.
Greek Migration and Asylum Minister Thanos Plevris has linked the migration pressure on Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta to Greece’s own frontline experience, arguing that tougher border policies are delivering results while warning that human smuggling networks continue to seek new entry points into Europe.
A new Joint Ministerial Decision introduces a certified Lawyers' Registry, sets compensation of up to €410 per case, and aligns free legal guidance for asylum seekers with the government's broader strategy of accelerating voluntary returns.
Migration is once again climbing to the top of Europe’s political agenda, as frontline Mediterranean states move to strengthen coordination in response to growing migratory pressures from North Africa and the Middle East.
Greek government moves to implement the EU Migration Pact, emphasizing border control, faster asylum processing and more effective return mechanisms
19,000–20,000 arrivals in Crete in 2025, 500,000 migrants in Libya, and plans for new facilities and faster asylum processing
Migration Minister Thanos Plevris defends Greek involvement in migrant return centers despite international criticism and legal concerns.
Minister Thanos Plevris highlights Greece’s proactive approach to controlling illegal flows and managing migrant returns abroad
Athens blocks refugee returns from Germany as the EU prepares for stricter Dublin rules in 2026.
Demographics threaten jobs, growth, and pensions – Migration and Plevris’ policies become imperative
With up to 50% reductions in housing, food, and financial aid, the Greek government reallocates funds to professional training and integration programs for asylum seekers
Significant drop in migration flows following asylum suspension legislation
“Since the day we passed the amendment, about 20 days ago, the total number of arrivals has been under 800, whereas before the amendment we were seeing over 800 arrivals daily,” Plevris stated.
Daily Mail hails Greece’s crackdown on illegal migration via Crete as a model for the UK – Minister Plevris warns: the era of soft asylum policies is over
Addressing questions from Dimitris Natsios of the “Niki” party and Alexandros Kazamias of Plefsi Eleftherias, Plevris outlined measures to curb rising migratory flows, particularly to Crete.
"We have borders and we will protect them" said the Minister of Immigration - The opposition speaks of communication measures - The objection of unconstitutionality of Eleftherias Eleftherias was voted down
The asylum seeker explained that the Migration Ministry is not a hotel—he applied for asylum, receives food and shelter, a €75 monthly allowance, and, if granted asylum, he will be entitled to further benefits
Health Minister Thanos Plevris spoke at the ECONOMIST GREECE'S AGENDA TO COMBAT CANCER conference that started on Tuesday in Athens.
