A Greek official criticized the outgoing European Commission on Tuesday for its inability to establish a unified migrant deportation policy. Sofia Voultepsi, the deputy minister for migration, expressed her concerns during a conference near Athens. She emphasized the urgency of addressing the growing challenges posed by war and climate change, which are contributing to global displacement.
Voultepsi noted that the landmark European Union migration pact agreed upon earlier this year lacks practical measures. “We got the agreement, but the basic piece is still missing: Returns,” she stated. She argued that Europe must adopt a common system for asylum, returns, and integration to manage the migration crisis effectively.
The deputy minister highlighted that wars in the Middle East and Africa are exacerbating the refugee situation in Europe. She warned that these conflicts, combined with the effects of climate change, would exert continuous pressure on European nations. “Countries like Somalia, Ethiopia, and South Sudan are affected by both war and climate change,” she added.
The new EU migration pact is set to take effect in mid-2026 after another round of negotiations among the bloc’s 27 member states. These discussions are expected to last about a year, indicating ongoing challenges in achieving consensus on migration policies.
Greece remains a significant entry point for migrants entering the European Union, with many arriving from Turkey and Libya in unsafe vessels. On Tuesday, the Greek coast guard reported rescuing 81 migrants from a stranded boat traveling from Turkey to Italy. The incident occurred on Sunday, with the rescue operation aided by two merchant vessels.
The rescued migrants were taken to the southern Greek port of Kalamata on Monday. Authorities reported that each migrant had paid approximately $8,500 for the dangerous journey. Four individuals among the group were arrested on smuggling charges.
In a related development, an Italian navy ship is expected to dock at an Albanian port, carrying 16 migrants intercepted in international waters. Their asylum applications will be processed in Albania under a new five-year agreement between Italy and Albania.
