On Friday, the Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, asserted that human smugglers are primarily accountable for the mid-June boat disaster off Greece’s southern Peloponnese Peninsula that resulted in a considerable loss of migrant lives. He firmly asserted that it is unjust to lay accusations at the feet of the Greek Coast Guard.
During a press conference in Brussels, alongside the European Parliament President, Roberta Metsola, the Greek leader called for cooperation with transit countries to prevent the influx of migrants, particularly via sea routes from Libya.
Mitsotakis indicated that a judicial investigation is underway concerning the sinking of the old fishing boat, which had set sail from Libya carrying a large number of migrants. He emphasised the crucial role of international collaboration in preventing such tragic incidents.
The issue of migration has been a major challenge for Greece and other European Union (EU) countries for several years, particularly following the onset of the Syrian civil war in 2011. Due to its geographic location, Greece is a popular transit country for migrants, many of whom hope to continue their journey into other parts of Europe.
A significant number of these migrants embark on perilous journeys across the Mediterranean Sea, often on unsuitable and overcrowded boats operated by smugglers. These crossings are incredibly dangerous, leading to a substantial number of fatalities and drawing attention to the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region.
In addition to Syrian refugees, Greece has seen an increase in migrants from various parts of the world, including North Africa. Libya, given its location and the unrest there, has become a major departure point for migrants trying to reach Europe.
The Greek government, led by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, has been grappling with the influx of migrants and the associated challenges. These include managing migrant reception and processing centers, safeguarding maritime borders, and dealing with geopolitical pressures from other EU nations.
Meanwhile, the EU has been dealing with internal disagreements about how to handle the migrant situation. Some countries advocate for stricter border control and deterrent measures, while others argue for more equitable distribution of refugees across member states and an overall more humane approach.