Greece, Turkey, and Bulgaria Unite to Tackle Migration Challenges in Pivotal Trilateral Meeting

08:42 15/1/2025 - Πηγή: iEfimerida

A trilateral meeting focusing on migration management was held today in Istanbul, bringing together the ministers responsible for migration from Greece, Turkey, and Bulgaria.

The meeting took place at the historic Dolmabahçe Palace, with Greek Minister for Migration and Asylum

Nikos Panagiotopoulos, Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya, and Bulgarian Interior Minister Atanas Ilkov representing their respective nations.

Minister Panagiotopoulos emphasized the importance of collaboration despite known differences between Greece and Turkey.

He stated that through bilateral and broader frameworks such as the Greece-Turkey-Bulgaria trilateral format, cooperation could yield mutual benefits.

He credited this initiative to the leadership of Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

Discussions at the meeting centered on managing migration flows and improving border controls. The Greek minister highlighted positive results in managing land borders, where flows remain under control despite a slight increase.

Measures such as the construction of a border fence at Evros and enhanced coordination among the three nations’ agencies were identified as key factors contributing to this progress.

However, Mr. Panagiotopoulos noted significant challenges in managing maritime borders and called for intensified efforts against human smuggling networks.

He emphasized the need for faster, more capable patrol vessels, enhanced surveillance, and improved coastal operations. He also highlighted the importance of deploying advanced technology to combat criminal smuggling activities effectively.

While migration via sea routes has slowed during the winter months, annual figures show a 30-35% increase in irregular entries in 2023.

Approximately 60,000 people entered Greece last year, with 80% arriving through islands in the southeastern Aegean, particularly the Dodecanese. A smaller number of migrants entered through land borders and southern routes from Libya via Crete.

Greece stressed the need for enhanced information sharing, advanced technological tools, and additional resources to ensure effective migration flow management.

Mr. Panagiotopoulos expressed confidence that with consistency, determination, and a cooperative spirit, meaningful results could be achieved.

Following the trilateral talks, Minister Panagiotopoulos visited Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew at the Phanar, underscoring the importance of ongoing dialogue and collaboration at all levels.

This meeting marked an important step in addressing shared migration challenges and reaffirmed the commitment of Greece, Turkey, and Bulgaria to finding collective solutions.

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