Greece Eyes Libya Cooperation to Block Boats from Eastern Coast
Greece is seeking a migration agreement with Libya to reduce the rising number of irregular migrant departures from the Libyan coast, according to a report published by German broadcaster Deutsche Welle.
Greek authorities report a 174% increase in crossings from Libya to Greece since the beginning of 2024, raising pressure on national and European migration systems
Greek Minister of Migration and Asylum, Makis Voridis, confirmed that Athens wants a formal deal with Libyan authorities to control flows across the eastern Mediterranean. The goal is to prevent more boats from departing Libya's shores, especially from eastern areas such as Tobruk, toward the Greek island of Crete.
Voridis said he hopes to visit Libya soon to begin talks. The model under consideration is similar to the 2017 agreement between Italy and Libya, which involved Italian funding and logistical support to help Libyan forces stop migrant boats and return those intercepted at sea.
However, Greece currently lacks a clear Libyan counterpart and the financial leverage to influence armed groups that control much of eastern Libya's coastal territory.
The report highlighted that a new migration route has emerged from Tobruk to Crete, which is now being used alongside the more familiar western Libya–Lampedusa path. Eastern Libya has become a departure point for more organized smuggling networks, operating with limited oversight.
The most serious incident on this route occurred in June 2023, when the fishing boat Adriana, which departed from Tobruk, capsized near Greek waters. Around 600 migrants died in what became one of the deadliest shipwrecks in recent years.
Following the tragedy, 17 members of the Greek coast guard, including the commander of the patrol boat LS-920, were charged in court for failing to assist the vessel and contributing to the outcome.
Greece is calling for more EU support to address the spike in crossings from North Africa. Officials in Athens argue that Libya must be part of any serious effort to manage migration in the central and eastern Mediterranean. However, Libya's internal divisions and militia control make negotiations difficult and enforcement uncertain. Tags: Deutsche WelleGreecelibyamigration
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