Athens is pushing back against Germany's unilateral actions that threaten the Schengen Agreement and shift the migration burden onto countries along Europe's external borders.
The Greek government has made it clear that this approach is "unacceptable," vowing to prevent a repeat of the 2015-2017 migration crisis, when a massive influx of migrants was trapped within Greece’s borders.
Greek officials stress that Greece will not bear the brunt of a policy change instigated by Germany under pressure from its far-right.
"Greece doesn’t border Germany, but if every country starts following this path, does it mean migrants will be stuck in Greece, Poland, Bulgaria? A country that shares an external border—somewhere they first entered?" said Greek Minister of Citizen Protection Michalis Chrisochoidis in an interview with public broadcaster ERT, voicing the growing concerns in Athens.
In response, Greece is forging alliances with other front-line states to counter Germany’s shift. Italy, Spain, Bulgaria, Poland, and Malta—countries that share the responsibility of protecting the EU's external borders—are united in their rejection of German pressure.
This bloc plans to present a coordinated response at the upcoming European Council summit on October 17, where migration will be a key issue.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has emphasised that the solution lies in implementing the Pact on Migration and Asylum.
"We need a fair compromise between all European countries, one that acknowledges the critical importance of external border protection," he stated.
Mr. Mitsotakis is expected to stress this position during his upcoming meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin on October 14, during discussions on the Western Balkans under the Berlin Process.
He will also advocate for channeling funds into strengthening Europe’s external borders.
Former Migration Minister Notis Mitarakis criticised Germany’s changing stance, calling it hypocritical.
"It’s hypocritical of Germany to routinely criticize Greece for defending the EU’s borders and preventing illegal crossings, only to now adopt a similar approach, pushing the humanitarian burden onto front-line states like Greece," Mr. Mitarakis said.
The Pact on Migration and Asylum, agreed upon after challenging negotiations among the EU’s 27 member states, provides a framework for managing migration more equitably across Europe. However, the pact has yet to be fully implemented, as regulatory measures are still pending. Greece is calling for the swift application of these rules.
Under the pact, migrants would be registered and processed in the countries where they first enter. If the number of arrivals exceeds the hosting country’s capacity, an algorithm would redistribute excess migrants across other EU states.
If countries refuse to accept migrants, they would bear the financial costs of supporting them in the host country
Meanwhile, Athens is bracing for a potential surge in migration as traffickers may attempt to exploit the situation before new regulations take effect.
Current data shows a steady increase in arrivals. In the first seven months of 2024, 23,204 migrants arrived in Greece (3,607 through the Evros land border and 19,597 on the islands), representing a 99% increase compared to 11,672 in the same period in 2023. In July alone, there were 4,696 arrivals, up 41% from 3,322 in July 2023, and a 60% increase from June 2024.
From January to July 2024, 2,600 migrants reached Crete from Libya (up from just 100 the previous year), 4,374 arrived from Turkey on Tilos, Symi, and Rhodes, and 15,223 reached Kos, Lesvos, Samos, Chios, and Leros. In Evros, where the border fence acts as a deterrent, 3,607 migrants crossed during the same period.
Despite the sharp rise in percentages, officials insist that the absolute numbers remain manageable. However, with migration flows potentially increasing in the coming months, the Greek government remains vigilant, ready to address any challenges ahead.
By Giannis Kantellis
Translated by Anthee Carassava