EU Migration Chief Pledges Action on Deportations During Athens Visit

The European Union’s Commissioner for Migration, Magnus Brunner, emphasized the bloc's commitment to prioritising deportations during a visit to Greece on Thursday, as the country continues to grapple with a significant influx of migrants crossing its borders illegally.

“The topic of returns is something we have to deliver, definitely,” Brunner stated during a meeting with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Athens.

Brunner, an Austrian conservative who took office as migration commissioner in late 2024, highlighted the importance of implementing the EU’s newly established Migration and Asylum Pact. “There are some things to do, of course, some things ahead of us. Implementing the pact is one of them,” he said.

Greece, a key entry point for migrants into Europe, has consistently advocated for stricter immigration policies. Prime Minister Mitsotakis reaffirmed his country’s stance during the meeting, commending the EU's evolving focus on bolstering external border protections and expediting returns.

“Greece is a country that has found itself on the forefront of the migration crisis for many, many years,” Mitsotakis said, adding that he welcomed EU support in addressing the ongoing challenges.

On the same day, Greek authorities carried out a rescue operation for 36 migrants aboard a vessel spotted by a Maltese-flagged tanker approximately 30 nautical miles southeast of Gavdos, a remote island. The migrants were safely escorted to the nearby island of Crete, according to officials.

Pushbacks and Controversy

Brunner’s visit to Athens comes amid heightened scrutiny of Greece’s migration policies following a ruling by the European Court of Human Rights. The court recently found that Greece had illegally deported a Turkish national and described pushbacks as "systematic." Greece has denied the accusations, asserting that it enforces a “strict, but fair” approach to migration management.

In 2024 alone, Greece recorded over 60,000 illegal arrivals, a sharp increase fueled by a nearly 50% rise in sea crossings over the past 18 months. As part of its strategy to address the crisis, Athens is seeking direct EU funding to expand its border wall along the frontier with Turkey.

Broader EU Migration Strategy

Brunner’s itinerary in Greece included meetings with key ministers overseeing migration, maritime affairs, and foreign relations. His discussions centered on advancing the EU's migration framework and strengthening regional cooperation.

The commissioner is set to continue his tour with a visit to Cyprus on Friday, where migration policy will remain at the forefront of discussions.

The European Union's Migration and Asylum Pact, introduced to streamline and unify member states' responses to migration challenges, remains a cornerstone of Brunner's agenda as he works to address the complex and politically sensitive issue of migration across the bloc.