Germany’s sudden shift to a “hardline” approach on migration, after years of lenient rules, attractive social benefits, and a culture of tolerance, has sounded alarms in several European countries, including Greece. Concerns are growing about a potential unilateral shift in migration policy that could lead to the unraveling of the Schengen Agreement. Returning from Austria, where he discussed the matter with Chancellor Nehammer, Kyriakos Mitsotakis made Greece’s stance clear, sending a strong message to Germany that Greece won’t bear the brunt of a domino effect.
“The response cannot be the unilateral abolition of Schengen and essentially passing the problem to countries located at the external borders of Europe. This is not something that can be easily tolerated. That’s why you’re seeing significant reactions from countries bordering Germany,” Mitsotakis said during an interview with TalkRadio 98.9, making it clear that Germany’s plans won’t be easily implemented.
Meanwhile, behind-the-scenes coordination is underway between Athens and countries that will be directly impacted by Germany’s proposed “automatic deportations.” In addition to Austria, which opposes the heightened German border controls, Mitsotakis maintains open communication with his close ally within the European People’s Party, Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk. There is also coordination with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who is also facing the consequences of the migration crisis.
The Greek government is closely monitoring developments and is concerned about the possibility of Germany taking further steps, such as implementing checks on flights from first-reception countries, which would further unravel the Schengen framework. “We’re not there yet,” a senior government official told protothema.gr, noting that such a scenario is unlikely but remains a possibility.
At the highest levels of the Greek government, there is a growing realization that Germany is trapped in its own internal deadlock, and any attempt to export these problems won’t be tolerated. This approach also explains the lack of “enthusiasm” towards the current German government.
On Monday, Greek Minister of Migration and Asylum Nikos Panagiotopoulos is set to meet with German Deputy Minister Bernd Kresser on the sidelines of a Conference on Migration and Security, which will also be attended by German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser. In October, Mitsotakis will travel to Berlin for the Western Balkans Conference.
