Around 550,000 migrants and refugees are currently waiting in Libya for an opportunity, according to Greek Migration Minister Thanos Plevris. to translate to Europe. Athens is therefore working closely with the EU border protection agency Frontex and with the Libyan authorities to combat smuggling gangs, identify boats early and prevent departures from the North African coast.
Warning due to new arrivals
The warning comes against the backdrop of new arrivals south of Crete. The Greek Coast Guard brought a total on Sunday 125 migrants safewho were traveling south of the Mediterranean island in two boats, state radio reported. There is currently calm weather with light winds between Libya and Crete, the Greek Meteorological Office said. Coast guard officers assume that more boats have set sail from Libya towards Crete.
According to the UN refugee agency UNHCR, around 42,000 migrants reached the Greek islands and thus the European Union by sea last year. The aid organization registered in the eastern Mediterranean during the same period 107 deaths.