Greece is calling for stricter European Union migration policies as it anticipates a potential surge in migrants and refugees fleeing conflicts in the Middle East, Greek Migration Minister Nikos Panagiotopoulos announced Wednesday.
The government is considering new detention facilities on the islands of Rhodes and Crete, as migrant sea arrivals have more than doubled since last fall.
With current projections suggesting that up to 50,000 migrants may enter Greece by year’s end, Panagiotopoulos warned that existing island migrant camps are already at capacity, while mainland centers are operating at around 60% capacity. Most arrivals originate from Turkey's coastline, although North African and Middle Eastern routes are also contributing. While some migrants are arriving from Lebanon, the minister noted that an anticipated surge from the region due to escalating conflicts has yet to fully materialise.
Seeking amendments to the recently agreed EU Migration and Asylum Pact, expected to take effect in mid-2026, Greece is pushing for more stringent deportation protocols and fortified border controls under European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's leadership. Panagiotopoulos emphasised Greece's commitment to a unified European approach, stating, "We’re seeking a European solution, firmly grounded in the framework of the European Migration and Asylum Pact. After eight years of negotiations, we must now move toward implementation."