European authorities are on high alert regarding migration flows to Greek shores. The Commission has emphasized the need for EU cooperation with various actors from all sides in Libya following new migration flows to Crete, confirming it is in contact with all relevant stakeholders.
Read: New wave of migrants at dawn in Gavdos: Uncontrolled situation in Agia
“I can confirm that we are in contact with all relevant actors from all sides,” emphasized European Commission spokesperson for migration affairs Magnus Brunner, regarding the new migration flows from Eastern Libya to Crete.
European Commission migration spokesperson: What he says about cooperation with EU states
The spokesperson recalled Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s letter to the European Council last June, which noted that “the political situation and security situation in Libya is critical, therefore political engagement by EU member states is vital, considering the geopolitical consequences for the EU.”
The same letter also states that “given the situation and indications of possible use of migration for political purposes, we must cooperate with various actors on the ground.”
Migration flows to Crete continue
Migration flows to Crete continue. A total of 32 people disembarked from a boat at Agios Ioannis beach, Gortyna. Among the 32 people are reportedly women and children, who were initially transferred to the Kapetaniana area and from there are expected to be taken to Heraklion.
Migrants: Agia and Kali Limenes reach breaking point
At the Agia exhibition center in Chania, up to 561 migrants were present over the weekend.
Agia in Chania has reached its hosting limits, with doctors and volunteers leaving due to inability to provide services, while arrivals in Gavdos resemble “a form of landing,” according to the island’s mayor. At the same time, coast guard authorities and Frontex are recording continuous rescue operations, with the total number of migrants reaching hundreds within 24 hours. Specifically, three boats with dozens of people disembarked at Trypiti, Kareve, and Kefali beach in the northern part of the island, which is considered one of the most inaccessible. “Kareve is filled with people,” Gavdos Mayor Lilian Stefanaki characteristically emphasized to neakriti.gr and KRITI TV, stressing that the situation resembles a landing.
As she points out, the municipality has reached a dead end, with business owners in Korfos – where migrants gather – having closed their businesses due to the suffocating situation. Meanwhile, the island cannot meet the needs of hundreds of people, as there are insufficient supplies. According to Deputy Mayor Eleni Zervoudaki, the number of those housed at Agia facilities will reach 1,139 migrants. Ms. Zervoudaki speaks of “unprecedented, incredible situations,” stating that “we are now at the mercy of conditions” and warning that if measures are not taken, “whatever control exists will be lost.”
According to what she told APE-MPE, there are no transfers to Athens and mainland Greece because “guarding and transport of migrants has been given to the Hellenic Police, but this is not happening. Those who guard and provide all kinds of services to these suffering people are the coast guards. Naturally, they are reacting, they are very few, it is no longer their responsibility, resulting in a negative outcome despite everyone’s superhuman efforts.” The Deputy Mayor of Chania also expressed concern about the conditions so many migrants are living in for so many days, in a closed space, in Agia: “A fact that may create health problems. Solutions must be given by those responsible immediately, so that we can all together address this emergency crisis of migration flows.”
