
Authorities in the northeast border prefecture of Evros, both police and armed forces, are reportedly on heightened alert status this weekend due to indications that large groups of foreign nationals, including minors, are being assembled along the border with Turkey for the purpose of attempting to clandestinely enter Greece.
The heightened status comes as a group of roughly 150 would-be migrants were located late last week on Greek territory by authorities. Another 25 illegal migrants were arrested on Greek territory in roughly the same spot, the Vyssa township, on Saturday as was the previous group.
As with previous such incidents, smuggling networks operating in Turkey lead and abandon potential asylum seekers and irregular migrants along the river border, with the latter then contacting Greek authorities in order to be rescued and evacuated – but only to EU territory, and never back to Turkey.
Often, as was the case last week, pro-migrant NGOs also contact authorities, engage in social media campaigns and press briefings in order to pressure for entry into Greece.
Dozens of third country nationals, all believed to be from the Middle East, were also detected on a riverine islet on Turkish territory, across from the village of Marasia, on the Greek side.
The Evros River border between Greece and Turkey, in the Thrace province, served as the setting for an infamous instance of “fake news”, which played out last August.
Specifically, a group of 38 asylum seekers, Syrians and Palestinians, claimed to have been stranded on one such brush-covered islet for days and even weeks. The latter had issued rescue pleas on-and-off beginning in late July 2022, which were prominently picked up by several media outlets, extensively reproduced on social media and used as pressure against the Greek government by pro-migration/refugee NGOs to evacuate the group.
At one point, some of the would-be asylum seekers claimed a five-year-old girl had died from a scorpion bite and other hardships. However, when later pressed about the alleged death, a couple identified as the parents said they could not remember where her body was buried on the islet, nor could they produce any proof they had five and not four children, as listed on various documents, including a list of individuals, comprising the group, used to get ECHR ruling.


Latest News

Trump Tariffs Jeopardize Growth: Piraeus Chamber of Commerce
The tariffs, aimed at reducing the U.S. trade deficit, are expected to have both direct and indirect effects on the European economy

EU Condemns Trump Tariffs, Prepares to Retaliate
As tensions escalate, the EU is expected to continue negotiations with Washington while preparing for potential economic retaliation.

The Likely Impact of Trump Tariffs on Europe and Greece
Trump tariffs are expected to negatively affect economic growth in the Eurozone while Greece's exports could take a hit.

Motor Oil Results for 2024: Adjusted EBITDA of 995 mln€; Proposed Dividend of 1.4€ Per Share
Adjusted EBITDA for 2024 was down 33% yoy. The adjusted profit after tax for 2024 stood at 504 million euros, a 43% decrease from the previous year

Cost of Living: Why Greece’s 3% Inflation Is Raising Alarm
Greece appears to be in a more difficult position when it comes to price hikes, just as we enter the era of Trump’s tariffs.

Fitch Ratings Upgrades the Four Greek Systemic Banks
NBG’s upgrade reflects the bank’s ongoing improvements in its credit profile, Fitch notes in its report, including strong profitability, a reduction in non-performing exposures (NPEs), and lower credit losses

Trump to Announce Sweeping New Tariffs Wednesday, Global Retaliation Expected
With Trump's announcement just hours away, markets, businesses, and foreign governments are bracing for the fallout of one of the most aggressive shifts in U.S. trade policy in decades.

Inflation in Greece at 3.1% in March, Eurostat Reports
Average inflation in the eurozone settled at 2.2%, compared to 2.3% in February

Greece’s Unemployment Rate Drops to 8.6% in February
Despite the overall decline, unemployment remains higher among women and young people.

Jerry Kalogiratos Highlights Key Role of Energy Transition and Data Demand in LNG Outlook
Energy transition and the prospects of LNG were discussed at Capital Link’s 19th Annual International Maritime Forum, during a panel discussion with Jerry Kalogiratos (Capital Clean Energy Carriers Corp.)