The Greek Minister of Immigration and Asylum participated in the Council of Ministers of Justice and Home Affairs of the European Union, accompanied by the Deputy Minister of Immigration and Asylum. In the meeting, the minister highlighted the need for a strong external dimension and effective returns in the context of the upcoming implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum. In particular, he noted the increase in illegal arrivals from Eastern Libya in 2025 and called for immediate, coordinated European action with an active role of the European Commission to prevent illegal departures and combat smuggling networks.
The minister also referred to the developments in the Middle East and in particular in Iran, noting that Greece is closely monitoring the situation and is ready to assess possible impacts on migration flows to Europe.
On the sidelines of the Council, the minister met with his counterparts from Germany, the Netherlands, Austria and Denmark to promote the return hubs initiative.
More information is available here.
- Ministry of Migration and Asylum | Υπουργείο Μετανάστευσης και Ασύλου (5 March, 2026), Return hubs και εθελούσιες επιστροφές στο επίκεντρο του Συμβουλίου Υπουργών [Return hubs and voluntary returns at the heart of the Council of Ministers ],