Greek Immigration Minister Thanos Plevris warns of migrant trafficking circuits, pledges border action

Immigration Minister Thanos Plevris posted on X about recent developments in the Theodosa area, saying migrant‑trafficking networks are constantly seeking opportunities and that any frontline country could face similar pressures. He recalled Greece’s past actions – sealing the Evros border in February 2020 and suspending asylum processing for arrivals from Libya in July 2025 – and noted that more than one million irregular migrants entered Greece in 2015 under a previous government.

Plevris highlighted a sharp drop in illegal sea arrivals during the first half of 2026, especially to Crete, where the numbers fell from over 3,500 in July 2025 to fewer than 1,400 by July 2026. He claimed Greece is driving changes in EU migration policy through “hard policies”, diplomatic effort and the work of the Coast Guard and police. He warned, “the circuits are watching”, and added, “allowing your politics to invade Europe is not humanitarianism, it is a crime,” stressing that Greece remains ready to take any necessary border measures.