Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced on Monday that his country will deploy naval forces just outside Libya’s territorial waters in a bid to monitor and curb irregular migration. The statement was made during a scheduled meeting with the President of the Republic, Costas Tasoulas.
Mitsotakis stated that he has instructed the Minister of National Defence and military leadership to dispatch Greek Navy ships close to Libya’s maritime borders “as a precaution.” He emphasised the operation would be carried out in coordination with Libyan authorities and European partners.
“This is a message that smugglers will not determine who enters our country,” Mitsotakis said, stressing the need for stronger migration controls. He added that the matter will be presented at the upcoming EU Summit.
The announcement comes amid a sharp increase in migrant arrivals on Greek islands. In under 24 hours last week, 731 migrants landed on Crete and Gavdos, including numerous families and children. According to Greek authorities, most had departed from the eastern Libyan port city of Tobruk and originated from Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea, and Pakistan.
Diplomatic strains between Athens and Tripoli have complicated migration cooperation in recent months. Greece has previously raised concerns over irregular migration routes stemming from eastern Libya and the lack of effective border control by Libyan actors.
The move reflects growing European apprehension about migration flows via the Central Mediterranean Route, which remains one of the deadliest and most active corridors for migrants seeking entry into Europe.
