The priority of implementing the new Pact on Migration and Asylum—especially the issue of returns, and agreements with third countries for returns—was raised by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis during his meeting today at the Maximos Mansion with the European Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner.

The Prime Minister stressed that the authorities in eastern Libya must take action to reduce the migration flows to Greece in order to prevent the establishment of a new migration route. He also expressed his appreciation for the European Commission’s mobilization in this direction, highlighting that Mr. Brunner will visit Libya on July 8, accompanied by the Migration Ministers of Greece, Italy, and Malta.

On his part, the European Commissioner emphasized that illegal migration must be addressed, stating:
“What Greece is doing to protect our shared borders is indeed not just about Greek borders—it is the borders of the European Union. We are truly grateful for everything you are doing in this area.”

Dialogue between Mitsotakis and Brunner

Kyriakos Mitsotakis:
The double Summit—NATO and then the European Council—was quite exhausting. Nevertheless, I consider it to have been constructive, especially regarding issues related to migration. I believe there is broad support for your agenda and that of the President of the European Commission, with an emphasis on returns, which has regained momentum. This, of course, is also an important issue for us in terms of our relationship with Turkey, and in better managing external challenges, particularly in the Central and Eastern Mediterranean.

I know you’ll be traveling to Libya, and that is an important visit for us. In recent months, we have witnessed significant pressure on the route between eastern Libya and southern Crete, and this is a problem we must definitely bring under control. We will do our part, cooperating with the Libyan authorities to ensure that these boats do not even depart from Libya’s shores.

Thank you very much for being here.

Magnus Brunner:
Thank you very much. First of all, thank you for your time. Thank you for the great cooperation we have, because that is really key. You mentioned the issues—migration, of course, and illegal migration, which we must combat—and naturally also the development of legal pathways. What Greece is doing to protect our shared borders is indeed not just about Greek borders; they are EU borders. We are truly grateful, of course, for all your efforts in this area.

Regarding Libya, as you mentioned, we will travel there next week together with your Minister, the Italian Minister, and the Maltese Minister, as part of the “Team Europe” approach. I believe this is important to show that we are united.

Certain legislative initiatives are also pending and under discussion at the European level, such as the implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum. I believe we have a very good foundation. It’s not perfect—nothing is perfect in this regard. But there are still missing pieces, such as the regulation on returns, as you mentioned, and the concept of a safe third country, which I also believe is particularly important when it comes to tackling illegal migration. So, there is still much to be done, and I am very pleased that we are such strong partners at the European level.

Thank you very much.