he Greek government has resolved to block a new and increasingly active migrant smuggling route from eastern Libya to the island of Crete, following a high-level national security meeting chaired by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
The meeting focused on a sharp rise in arrivals on Crete, where officials say smugglers are using a new tactic of sailing boats close to the island’s southern coast before calling for assistance, effectively forcing a rescue and entry into Greece.
Following the meeting, the government emphasized it is treating the issue as a European, not just a Greek, problem and is pursuing a two-pronged strategy of deterrence and diplomacy.
The recent deployment of Greek naval vessels to patrol international waters south of Crete is intended to prevent smugglers from reaching the area.
At the same time, Athens is ramping up diplomatic efforts. The security council meeting came just after talks in Athens with the EU’s Commissioner for Migration, Magnus Brunner, and ahead of a planned visit to Tripoli by Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis.
The goal is to secure greater cooperation from both the EU and Libyan authorities to curb the departures.
The security council also addressed other pressing issues, including recent developments in the Middle East and the ongoing modernization program for the Hellenic Navy’s frigates.