Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has identified migration flows from Libya to the Greek island of Crete as one of the most pressing challenges facing Greece, stressing the need for stronger border controls while maintaining legal migration channels.
Speaking during an interview on a podcast hosted by former United States National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster, Mitsotakis discussed regional security, migration, European defence policy and Greece’s economic outlook.
According to Protothema Newspaper, the Greek leader said irregular migration routes originating from Libya remain a significant concern for Athens, particularly as increasing numbers of migrants attempt to reach Crete from the North African country. He defended the actions of the Greek Coast Guard in enforcing border controls and preventing irregular arrivals.
Mitsotakis argued that effective migration management should combine strict measures against irregular migration with legal pathways that support labour market needs.
“I want a big fence for irregular migration, but also a big door for legal migration,” he said.
Migration from Libya has become a major issue in relations between southern European states and North African countries, with European governments seeking greater cooperation to curb irregular crossings across the Mediterranean.
The Greek Prime Minister also addressed relations with Turkey, saying the only dispute between the two countries concerns the delimitation of maritime zones. He emphasised the importance of maintaining strong national defence capabilities while continuing diplomatic engagement.
On domestic politics, Mitsotakis confirmed his intention to seek a third term in office, arguing that further reforms are needed to secure long-term economic stability.
He highlighted Greece’s economic performance in recent years, noting a sharp reduction in the country’s debt-to-GDP ratio and significant improvements in employment figures. According to Mitsotakis, nearly 600,000 jobs have been created, while unemployment has fallen substantially.
The remarks come as migration routes in the central Mediterranean, including those linked to Libya, remain under close scrutiny by European governments seeking to strengthen border security while managing growing migration pressures across the region.
