The Greek government is to press ahead with plans to build a new fence on its border with Turkey to prevent ‘illegal migration’, with or without EU funding, despite the European Commission’s insistence that ‘smarter solutions’ must be implemented.
Athens fears that an escalation in the Middle East conflict could lead to new waves of migration and is making diplomatic overtures to Lebanon and the Palestinian Authority.
Construction of a fence on the northeastern land border with Turkey began in 2012 and has since been extended using national funds.
Following Germany’s decision to take a tougher stance on migration, the issue has resurfaced, with politicians in Berlin calling on border countries such as Greece to step up protection of Europe’s external borders.
In light of the new developments, Athens has reiterated its demand for EU funding for the extension of the fence.
“The new fence will be built with or without Europe,” Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said recently.
Brussels warns Athens to ‘integrate’
But while the European Commission insists it is against funding the construction of fences, it also recognises that national governments know better how to protect their borders.
Member states must protect the EU’s external borders,” a Commission spokesperson told Euractiv. They are best placed to determine how to do this in practice in a way that is fully compatible with the acquis, including respect for fundamental rights,” a Commission spokesperson told Euractiv.
The EU official added that the Commission maintains that effective management of external borders is a priority for the Union and that an integrated approach should be adopted.
“The focus should be on smart solutions that support the implementation of European integrated border management, such as integrated, interoperable and adaptable surveillance systems,” the EU spokesperson said.
Erdogan’s statement on two states in Cyprus does not affect migration talks with Athens
Greek authorities report an increase in migration flows from Turkey in 2024 compared to last year, but point out that they come mainly from the sea and not from the land border with Turkey.
Many believe that political stability between Turkey and Greece will be key to controlling migration flows, and Athens is working towards this goal.
Earlier this week, Mitsotakis held a 30-minute meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, during which the two leaders agreed to ‘continue working to dismantle smuggling networks’.
Greek media reported that the meeting remained focused on the positive agenda of cooperation on migration, despite Erdogan’s open call for the partition of Cyprus into two states just hours before the meeting.
Messages from Athens to Beirut, Ramallah and Tel Aviv
Meanwhile, the escalation of tensions in the Middle East, with reports that Israel is preparing for a possible ground invasion of Lebanon, is causing concern in Athens.
Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis met his Lebanese counterpart, Abdullah Abu Habib, and promised to mobilise at EU level to provide medical assistance to Lebanese citizens injured and in need of treatment.
Mitsotakis also met with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.
Diplomatic sources in New York told Euractiv that the issue of migration was raised in all contacts as a potential side-effect of the wider Middle East crisis.
Mitsotakis also sent a message to Tel Aviv on a political level. In an interview with CNN, the Greek leader said there were opportunities for a ceasefire that “Israeli friends” were not using enough.
