Greece has slashed illegal migration by 21% over the past year following a 35-kilometer expansion of its steel border fence along the Evros River, according to senior government ministers.
Speaking at a ruling New Democracy security forum in the northeastern city of Alexandroupoli, Public Order Minister Michalis Chrisochoidis credited the fortified frontier and enhanced regional policing for successfully dismantling 168 criminal smuggling organizations in 2025.
"From the Evros frontier, we speak of a Greece of responsibility and security—a homeland that guards its borders decisively," Mr. Chrisochoidis said, noting that another five kilometers of the barrier are currently under contract.
He also highlighted a 21% nationwide drop in fatal road accidents and steady reductions in domestic burglaries.
Migration and Asylum Minister Thanos Plevris outlined the state's aggressive deterrence strategy.
Mr. Plevris reported that total illegal arrivals plummeted from 62,000 in 2024 to 48,000 in 2025, with island entries from neighboring Turkey dropping by more than half.
Ahead of the implementation of the new EU Migration and Asylum Pact, the government’s strict "prison or return" doctrine has actively accelerated deportations and eliminated regularization pathways for undocumented migrants.
Beyond strict border security, the administration is fundamentally overhauling its domestic emergency response capabilities.
Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Ioannis Kefalogiannis highlighted the sweeping €2.1 billion "Aegis" program, which deploys artificial intelligence for early-warning systems and heavily upgrades the nation's aerial firefighting fleets.
Mr. Kefalogiannis also announced unprecedented state funding to cover fuel, tolls, and vehicle maintenance for all registered volunteer emergency responders, praising the recent passage of a landmark bill that formally codifies national disaster preparedness and prevention.