EU Border Agency Investigating Alleged Rights Violations by Greece

The European Union’s border agency, Frontex, has announced it is currently reviewing 12 serious incident reports involving Greece, amid growing concerns over alleged human rights violations during border control operations.

Some of the cases under investigation involve claims that migrants were unlawfully pushed back across Greece’s borders—a practice that the European Court of Human Rights has already condemned.

The incidents, dating from 2023 to early 2025, are being examined by Frontex’s Fundamental Rights Office. "Each case is being thoroughly reviewed," said agency spokesperson Chris Borowski on Tuesday. He confirmed that the majority of the reports—nine—were from 2024, two occurred in 2025, and one was from 2023.

While Frontex did not provide specifics about the individual cases, Borowski noted that several involve allegations of illegal pushbacks—when asylum-seekers are returned across borders without due process. Greek authorities, including the coast guard and border police, have yet to comment directly on the reports. However, a coast guard official defended their operations, saying they act "with a high sense of responsibility, and with full respect for human lives and human rights."

Greece has long been a key entry point into the EU for migrants and refugees fleeing conflict and hardship in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Over the years, it has faced repeated criticism from international rights groups for allegedly turning away asylum-seekers at sea and on land. The Greek government has consistently denied engaging in pushbacks.

In a significant ruling earlier this year, the European Court of Human Rights found that Greece had violated migrants’ rights at its land border with Turkey, pointing to what it called a "systematic practice of pushbacks."

While Frontex itself has faced criticism in the past for its role in such operations, the agency is undergoing reforms. It has warned EU member states, including Greece, that failure to report rights violations could lead to the suspension of co-financing for border operations.

"Gone are the days of unconditional support," said Borowski. "Frontex now insists on standards and expects corrective action where needed."

Despite budget cuts that reduced Frontex’s funding of Greek maritime operations last year, cooperation between the agency and Greek authorities continues, with an emphasis on accountability and reform.

Since 2015, Greece’s coast guard says it has rescued more than 250,000 people in the Aegean Sea. However, the U.N. refugee agency reports that thousands have died attempting the crossing.

The final decision on whether to pursue disciplinary measures related to the alleged rights violations lies with Greek national authorities.

(Source: Reuters)