Migration agenda changing
Poland’s informal interior ministers’ summit in Warsaw focused on accelerating migrant returns, with little discussion on hosting or integration programs.
Greek migration officials who attended the event confirmed that the primary topic was organizing and speeding up returns rather than asylum and integration efforts.
Meanwhile, a new migration route from Tobruk to Crete and Gavdos has gained prominence. In 2024, 5,161 refugees and migrants arrived via this route, marking a sharp increase compared to 815 in 2023.
The data, provided by the Refugee Support Aegean (RSA), highlight a sharp rise in arrivals, with 56,066 migrants entering Greece last year – a 22% increase from the previous year.
In response, Greek authorities are establishing temporary reception centers on Crete and Rhodes to manage the influx. These centers will focus on identification and are under police jurisdiction.
Most activity was recorded on Gavdos, with many boats arriving within days of each other. Many migrants are young adults from Egypt, Syria and Sudan, including a significant number of unaccompanied minors.
Kathimerini
