Tag: Frontex

EU Border Agency Investigating Alleged Rights Violations by Greece

The EU’s border agency, Frontex, is reviewing 12 serious incident reports involving Greece, some linked to alleged illegal pushbacks of migrants—a practice recently condemned by the European Court of Human Rights. While Greece denies such actions, the investigation underscores ongoing concerns about border management and human rights compliance at Europe’s southeastern frontier.

Two migrant boat disasters in the Mediterranean on April 3, 2025, claimed 16 lives—seven off Greece’s Lesbos island and nine near Turkiye’s Ayvacik district—underscoring the deadly risks of the crossing, with rescue efforts saving dozens more.

Afghan National Ordered into Pre-Trial Detention as Suspected Smuggler in Lesvos Dinghy Tragedy

An Afghan national has been ordered into pre-trial detention as a suspected smuggler following the sinking of an overcrowded migrant dinghy off Lesvos, which left seven dead and one child missing. The Greek coast guard rescued 23 survivors, including one of the suspect’s children, while his wife and another child are believed to be among the victims.

EU Toughens Migration Stance with Controversial Return Hubs Proposal

The European Union is intensifying its migration crackdown with a bold proposal to establish ‘return hubs’ outside its borders and accelerate deportations of rejected asylum seekers. For Greece, a key entry point along the Turkish border, the plan could ease pressure on overcrowded island camps, though critics warn of potential human rights violations. Unveiled Tuesday by the European Commission, the measures aim to boost returns—currently at just 20%—and restore trust in the EU’s migration system, amid declining irregular crossings and rising political tensions.

Greek Minister Vows Action to Relieve Migration Strain on Samos

Greece’s Migration Minister Nikos Panagiotopoulos pledged to ease pressure on Samos by accelerating migrant transfers to the mainland and increasing returns of rejected asylum seekers. During his visit, he emphasised security and cooperation with Frontex while acknowledging ongoing challenges despite a recent drop in arrivals. Meanwhile, Greek authorities rescued 82 migrants off Crete, highlighting the continued risks of irregular migration.

Greek Coast Guard Breached Maritime Rules in Deadly 2023 Shipwreck, Inquiry Finds

A Greek Ombudsman inquiry has found that the Hellenic Coast Guard failed to follow maritime rescue protocols in the 2023 Adriana shipwreck, one of the Mediterranean’s deadliest migrant disasters. The report, which confirms survivors’ testimonies, reveals that authorities monitored the overcrowded trawler for 15 hours without escalating it to a distress situation, delaying rescue efforts. Disciplinary action has been recommended against eight coast guard officers, while a naval court investigates potential criminal liability. The findings raise further concerns over Greece’s handling of migration crises and adherence to international maritime law.

Greece Sends Back Migrants Without Asylum Rights

Greece has deported 40 migrants whose asylum applications were rejected, as part of a coordinated operation by the Hellenic Police, FRONTEX, and the Ministry of Migration and Asylum. Minister Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos reaffirmed Greece’s commitment to a strict but fair migration policy, emphasizing the need for a unified European strategy on deportations.

Five Migrants Dead, Dozens Missing in Multiple Rescue Operations Near Crete

At least five migrants have died, dozens are missing, and over 200 have been rescued in a series of operations near the Greek island of Crete, the Coast Guard reported. Multiple vessels, helicopters, and international forces, including the Italian Navy and Frontex, are involved in ongoing rescue efforts following separate incidents driven by the surge in migration linked to Middle Eastern conflicts.

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EU Border Crossings Down 42%, Frontex Reports

Irregular border crossings into the European Union have decreased by 42% since the beginning of the year, driven by significant drops along the Western Balkan and Central Mediterranean routes. However, crossings from Africa have doubled and nearly tripled into Poland from the EU’s eastern border, highlighting shifting migration patterns.

Feijóo Criticizes Spain's Migration Policy, Praises Greece's Approach During Athens Visit

In Athens, Spain’s opposition leader Alberto Nuñez Feijóo praised Greece’s “fair, austere, and humanitarian” migration policies, contrasting them with Spain’s “non-existent” approach. He called for a unified EU migration policy, increased border security, and new agreements with migrant origin and transit countries.

At Least 11 Dead, 64 Missing After Shipwrecks in Mediterranean

At least 11 people died and 64 are missing after two shipwrecks off southern Italy. RESQSHIP rescued 51 survivors from a sinking boat, finding 10 bodies aboard. Another boat from Turkey caught fire near Calabria, leaving 64 missing and 11 rescued. These incidents highlight the Mediterranean migrant crisis, prompting calls for better search-and-rescue operations and safer migration routes.

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