Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Vasilis Kikilias revealed in a recent interview that Greece has faced 4,500 wildfires so far this year, a figure significantly higher than the 20-year average.
Kikilias emphasised that these are the worst fires in the last 40 years, according to scientists. Despite the challenging conditions, he noted that the total area burned remains below the 20-year average.
Kikilias also addressed the severe floods affecting Central Europe, comparing the 300 mm of rainfall there to the 800 mm brought by storm Daniel in Greece. He highlighted that Greek firefighters are simultaneously battling both wildfires and floods, with flooding concentrated in the north and west, and fires predominantly in the south and east. He warned that as September progresses, more extreme weather events could occur, but assured that the government would respond in an organised and structured way.
Turning to migration, Kikilias expressed frustration with countries like Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands for enforcing the Dublin II agreement while neglecting the Schengen Agreement. He criticised their approach to border control and migration, accusing them of attempting to reshape Europe to suit their own interests. He also reminded that in 2017, he and Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis had proposed a plan to then-Chancellor Angela Merkel to secure Europe’s external borders and ease migration pressures, which was not adopted.
Kikilias concluded by pointing out the irony of those who once criticised Greece for its handling of migrants now seeking to close their own borders.
Read more: EU migration