Kipi border crossing upgrade to be completed by end-2026
The upgrade of Greece's Bahçeköy (Kipi) border crossing in Evros is expected to be completed and delivered by December 2026, Interior Minister Thodoris Livanios said in response to a parliamentary question.
Work is progressing on new facilities for narcotics control, X-ray checks, secondary inspections and customs storage. Construction of phytosanitary and veterinary inspection buildings is expected to be completed by October, with final works scheduled for the end of 2026.
Çörekköy (Kastanies) relocation moves forward
The relocation of the Çörekköy (Kastanies) border station is also expected to move ahead soon.
Livanios said the existing facilities are outdated and structurally unsuitable for modern border controls. A new station is expected to improve traffic management and operational capacity.
A strategic agreement for the preparation of the project was signed on June 16. A program agreement for its implementation is expected to follow shortly.
The project has an estimated budget of 15 million euros and is expected to be financed through the 2021-2027 EU funding framework.
Government points to police ministry over border checks
The minister's response came after 22 PASOK lawmakers raised concerns over long delays and congestion at border crossings in northern Greece during the summer travel period.
They also pointed to the introduction of the EU Entry/Exit System, which requires biometric checks for third-country nationals, arguing that authorities should have made adequate preparations in staffing, equipment and digital infrastructure.
Livanios said the Ministry of Citizen Protection has exclusive responsibility for the operational and functional aspects of border checks, including the Entry/Exit System.
The Interior Ministry, he said, is responsible for upgrading the buildings and technical infrastructure at the border stations, with the improvements expected to help speed up and improve the quality of checks.
