Greek Migration Minister Thanos Plevris has defended the government’s tough stance on migration, saying criticism from international organisations only reinforces his support for stricter policies.
Speaking to Action 24, Plevris said Greece would continue pursuing what he described as some of Europe’s toughest migration measures amid a rise in arrivals from eastern Libya.
“Let me tell you something: the days when bureaucrats from Brussels or the United Nations could just show up and dictate how Greece handles the migration crisis are over,” he said.
Plevris also dismissed criticism from human rights groups and UN agencies.
“Every time U.N. envoys express concern over my legislation, it makes me proud of that legislation,” he said.
“The more Amnesty International, the U.N. high commissioner for refugees or U.N. envoys are irritated by our migration policy, the more I view it as a badge of honour.”
His comments come as Greece strengthens cooperation with eastern Libyan authorities to curb migrant departures across the Mediterranean. The government is also backing tougher migration measures at the European Union level.
According to Greek authorities, migrant arrivals and interceptions off Crete increased by more than 20 per cent to 5,500 in the first five months of 2026 compared with the same period last year.
Source: AP News
