Greek Minister Wears Migration Policy Criticism as Badge of Honor
Greece's migration minister says criticism from the UN and human rights groups validates the country's hardline immigration policies, which he vows to strengthen further.
Thanos Plevris delivered the defiant remarks during an interview with private broadcaster Action 24 on Monday, according to Brussels Signal, as Athens continues implementing what may be Europe’s most robust migration control measures.
The minister characterized Greece’s current policies as the toughest in Europe and pledged to strengthen them even further as arrivals from eastern Libya continue to rise.
Plevris made clear his view that condemnation from supranational bodies reflects the effectiveness of Greek policy. He stated that whenever UN representatives or Amnesty International express displeasure with Athens’ migration legislation, he considers it a badge of honor.
The minister went further, declaring that the era when Brussels bureaucrats or United Nations officials could arrive in Greece and dictate migration policy has ended.
Surge in Mediterranean Arrivals
The comments come as Greece deepens cooperation with authorities in eastern Libya, providing coastguard training and supporting employment initiatives designed to reduce departures across the Mediterranean.
Crete has seen arrivals spike considerably, with more than 5,500 migrants intercepted or recorded through May—a 20 percent increase compared to the previous year.
Athens is also supporting EU-wide proposals to establish offshore processing centers in African nations for asylum seekers whose applications have been rejected, a policy that has drawn sharp rebuke from rights organizations.
Broader European Shift
Human rights groups have accused the Greek government of implementing excessively harsh measures, including alleged pushbacks and expedited returns of migrants.
The administration of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has dramatically tightened immigration enforcement since assuming power, emphasizing border security and deportations while managing sustained pressure along the eastern Mediterranean migration route.
Plevris’s unapologetic stance mirrors a broader trend across Europe, where multiple governments are openly abandoning previous open-door approaches in favor of stricter border controls, frequently citing public safety concerns and integration difficulties as justification.
The minister’s remarks signal that Greece has no intention of moderating its policies in response to international pressure, instead viewing such criticism as confirmation that its approach is working.
With information from Brussels Signal
