Internal Affairs & Migration Commissioner Brunner in Athens
European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner is visiting Athens on Tuesday for high-level talks with the Greek government, amid growing concerns over migrant smuggling flows from Libya and broader efforts to implement the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum.
Brunner is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis, and the newly appointed Migration and Asylum Minister Thanos Plevris. The talks are expected to focus on border management, irregular migration, and returns of migrants to their countries of origin.
Of particular concern is the southern maritime route from North Africa to Crete, which has recently seen increased activity by smuggling networks operating from strife-torn Libya, now considered a major assembly point for migrant departures toward Europe.
The visit comes just days after the European Council emphasized the need for greater action on the external dimension of migration, including stronger partnerships with third countries, enforcement of existing EU legislation, and accelerated return procedures.
A passage in the Council’s conclusions underlined the situation in Libya, warning of its potential impact on European security and migration flows, and called for intensified EU efforts to combat human trafficking, smuggling, and to promote safe and legal pathways in line with international law.
Brunner’s visit highlights the EU’s continued focus on strengthening external borders and ensuring more coordinated responses to the complex migration challenges facing Southern Europe.
