The Greek authorities briefed the ambassadors from 27 countries of the European Union, the Schengen Agreement and the UK on the protection of the land border with Turkey, measures to combat illegal migration and showed the fence at the border, the trip was organized by the Ministry of Protection of Citizens of Greece. The ambassadors also visited the port of Alexandroupolis, through which military equipment is delivered to Ukraine and Eastern Europe.
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Citizens Protection Minister Takis Theodorikakos told the ambassadors that in order to curb illegal immigration, the Greek government decided to strengthen security measures at the borders and, under the Akritas project, is starting to build another 35 kilometers of fence on the land border with Turkey in Evros at the first stage. The project budget is 100 million euros and is fully covered by the state budget of Greece.
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A fence 37.5 kilometers long has already been built on the border, it was shown to the ambassadors.
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“The security of the European states and their citizens is a necessary condition for the fight against illegal immigration and, therefore, the protection of the external borders here on Evros. For this reason, the project needs the support not only of the Greek state, but also of European public opinion, as well as the European Union itself and today’s meeting here sends a signal of unity and solidarity and expresses our common will to effectively protect the European borders with Turkey, to apply international law, as well as our determination to stability and cooperation in the region,” Theodorikakos said.
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According to the minister, in 2022, 260,000 illegal immigrants were prevented from entering Europe illegally in Greece, and about 1,500 human traffickers were detained.
