Athens: Greece is calling for stronger European Union support on migration as the country continues to face political and operational challenges linked to irregular arrivals and asylum applications.

The Greek government has argued that migration cannot be addressed by individual member states alone and requires greater coordination across the European Union.

Greece’s geographical position makes it one of the main entry points into the EU for people travelling through the eastern Mediterranean. Authorities have therefore placed considerable emphasis on border management, asylum procedures and cooperation with other European countries.

The government has also urged EU institutions to strengthen measures aimed at preventing irregular migration while ensuring that asylum applications are handled under European and international legal obligations.

Migration has become an important domestic political issue in Greece. Political parties have differing views on border controls, asylum policy, migrant integration and cooperation with other EU members.

Athens has repeatedly called for a more balanced distribution of responsibility among EU countries. Greece argues that countries located at the bloc’s external borders can face disproportionate pressure when arrivals increase.

The issue also has a wider regional dimension. Developments in the Middle East, North Africa and other parts of the region can influence migration routes and the number of people attempting to reach Europe.

Greek authorities have increased attention to maritime surveillance and border management in response to changing migration patterns. Cooperation with European agencies and neighbouring countries remains an important part of the country’s strategy.

At the EU level, member states continue to negotiate how responsibility for asylum seekers should be shared and how returns should be managed when applications are unsuccessful.

The debate has created differences among European governments. Some countries favour stronger border controls and faster returns, while others place greater emphasis on humanitarian protection and legal pathways for migration.

For Greece, the challenge is to maintain control over its external borders while meeting its obligations under European and international law.

The issue is expected to remain prominent in Greek politics as the government seeks additional European support and works with EU partners on migration management.

Greece’s latest call for action highlights the continuing difficulty of developing a common European migration policy. The country’s position on the EU’s external border means that changes in migration flows can quickly become a domestic political issue as well as a wider European policy challenge.