From the point of view of five EU Mediterranean countries, the EU must urgently advise on a possible new influx of refugees because of the situation in Afghanistan. This is what Greece, Italy, Spain, Malta and Cyprus are calling for, and they have received most of the migrants – including from Afghanistan – in recent years.
A letter from these five states to the Slovenian EU Council Presidency said that it had to be discussed about “possible effects on migration in the countries of first reception and in the European Union”. The EU interior ministers are scheduled to meet by video conference on September 18.
Greeks strengthen border fence with Turkey
Greek media reported on Monday that Greece had already taken initial measures in view of a possible influx of migrants from Afghanistan. High-ranking military officials have checked the progress of the construction of fences in shallow places on the Greek-Turkish border river Evros (Turkish: Meric), reported the news broadcaster Real FM.
However, the situation on the Greek islands in the east of the Aegean has continued to ease. For the first time in years, according to the Athens Ministry of Migration, there are fewer than 6,000 people living in and around the camps on the islands of Lesbos, Chios, Samos, Leros and Kos. Two years ago, more than 42,000 people lived there. The Greek coast guard had tightened controls in the straits between these islands and Turkey in recent months.
EU border agency tests high-tech surveillance equipment
The EU border agency Frontex is currently testing new high-tech surveillance devices to track down migrant boats. This is in anticipation of an increase in people fleeing to Europe because of the events in Afghanistan, according to the news agency “Reuters” reported.
A balloon system equipped with cameras is being tested at Alexandroupolis airport near the Greek-Turkish land border in northeast Greece and on the island of Limnos. This is intended to give the border guards a better overview of approaching boats. (SDA / kes)