Greece blocked 40,000 migrants at Evros this year: Government
The Hindu
A Migration Ministry source said migration flows to all of Greece in the first four months of 2022 were nearly 30% higher than in the same period last year
Greece said on May 28 some 40,000 illegal migrants had been blocked from entering the country along the northern border with Turkey since the beginning of the year. Greece is often the country of choice for migrants fleeing Africa and the Middle East to try to reach a better life in the European Union.
Many come via Turkey at the Evros border and in 2020 Athens bolstered border controls after large numbers of migrants tried to cross the Evros River in the north. Athens has accused Ankara of not doing enough to stop smugglers from sending migrants across the border — often in flimsy boats that make for dangerous journeys.
On Saturday, Greece's Civil Protection Minister, Takis Theodorikakos, said tens of thousands of illegal migrants had been stopped from coming into the country at the Evros border this year.
"In the first four months of 2022, about 40,000 illegal immigrants have tried to enter the country illegally," he told Skai TV, specifying they had been stopped at Evros. "We effectively repel any threat to our country, to our borders."
He also sent a message to Turkey, saying it is not "allowed to tolerate traffickers of desperate people, nor to foster such situations". The Evros River, which separates Greece and Turkey, has seen an increase in traffic in recent weeks because water levels are low.
A Migration Ministry source said migration flows to all of Greece in the first four months of 2022 were nearly 30% higher than in the same period last year. In March 2020, Greece bolstered border patrols and installed cameras, radar and a 40KM (25-mile) steel fence over five metres (16ft) high in some areas.
Over 3,000 asylum seekers have arrived in Greece so far this year, including over 1,100 last month, according to the Ministry's data.
Cuba begins restoring power after a nationwide grid collapse, affecting thousands amid an ongoing energy crisis and blackouts.
The Hindu LIVE updates on March 23 2026 on Iran-Israel war. Iran faces deadline of US President Donald Trump warning to open Strait of Hormuz
Brazil's Lula condemns renewed colonialism and U.S. interference in developing nations at a summit in Colombia.
Saudi Arabia expels Iranian military staff amid escalating tensions and ongoing missile attacks during the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran.
Russia claims control of Potapivka village in Ukraine's Sumy region amid ongoing military efforts to establish a buffer zone.
Iranian missile strikes on Israeli towns cause widespread damage and injuries, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict.
As Gor makes first trip as U.S. Special envoy to South Asia, Delhi watches strategic signals closely
Sergio Gor's inaugural trip as U.S. Special Envoy to South Asia signals strategic U.S. engagement amid regional tensions.
Slovenians vote in a tight election between liberal and populist candidates, impacting the country's future domestic and foreign policies.
Netanyahu asserts U.S.-Israel alliance fights Iranian threats, emphasizing global security after missile strikes on Israeli and European targets.
Israeli settlers attack Palestinian villages in the West Bank, causing injuries and destruction amid ongoing settlement expansion.
Britain asserts no evidence of Iran planning missile strikes on Europe, despite Israeli claims of missile capabilities.
UNESCO reports over half of countries have banned phones in schools due to concerns about attention, cyberbullying, and social media impact.
Analysis reveals a U.S.-operated Patriot missile likely caused a pre-dawn explosion in Bahrain, injuring numerous civilians.