A message of stability and tangible support for the Aegean islands was delivered from Rhodes by Minister of Migration and Asylum Thanos Plevris, who met with South Aegean Regional Governor Giorgos Hatzimarkos at the headquarters of the Regional Authority.

The meeting was attended by Dodecanese MPs Giannis Pappas, Manos Konsolas and Vassilis Ypsilantis, as well as Deputy Regional Governor Apostolos Asprakis.

Following the visit, Plevris presented the current picture of migration flows in the Aegean, arguing that the situation is now “fully under control,” while also referring to measures to support the islands that have historically borne the brunt of migration.

He said that 5,110 arrivals were recorded across the Aegean during the first half of 2026, a figure which, according to the minister, is equivalent to levels that in the past were recorded on the islands in just a single week.

Funding for the islands

The Minister of Migration and Asylum referred to a special support program for areas affected by migration flows. According to his statements, funding approaching €5 million has been approved for Kos, while Leros will receive approximately €17 million.

For Rhodes, the ministry provided €400,000 to cover the needs of a school while work is being carried out at the academy. In Kalymnos, meanwhile, a program is being planned to remove sunken vessels from the port.

Plevris also stressed that the ministry is in constant cooperation with local authorities to address problems as they arise. He announced that the ministry’s cooperation will now also extend to the regional government, in addition to its existing cooperation with municipalities.

“We will also work with the Region, not only with the municipalities, so that we can continue to provide tangible support to the islands,”

he said, highlighting the role of Dodecanese MPs in raising local problems and seeking solutions.

Thanos Plevris’ full statement

“I would first of all like to thank the Regional Governor for receiving me at what is undoubtedly a difficult time for him, as he is currently mourning. I would also like to thank our MPs, Mr. Ypsilantis, Mr. Konsolas and Mr. Pappas, who accompanied me. Ms. Giatridi had also been informed, but she was absent.

At this point, it is very important that the migration situation in the Aegean is fully under control and has been dealt with. During the first half of 2026, we had 5,110 arrivals across the entire Aegean. These were essentially arrivals that, in the past, the islands would have seen in a single week.

At the same time, I informed the Regional Governor that we have developed a very important program to support the islands that have suffered from migration throughout this period. We have already allocated amounts approaching €5 million for Kos and €17 million for Leros.

In Rhodes, we provided €400,000 to cover the school during the period when work is being carried out at the academy. At the same time, in Kalymnos we are developing an important program to remove all the sunken vessels from the port.

Beyond this funding, the Ministry of Migration and Asylum is also in consultation with local government.

I also informed the Regional Governor that from now on we will work with the Region as well, not only with the municipalities, so that we can continue to provide tangible support, with the advice and guidance provided by our MPs here, who raise the problems they encounter with me every day, so that we too can contribute to resolving them.”