Greece says EU should develop cooperation with 3rd countries on irregular migration

Greece said Friday that the EU should develop cooperation with third countries on irregular migration to the bloc, media reports said Friday.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said the Union’s relations with third countries should be developed in a coordinated way and proactively, not only when a crisis emerges.

Mitsotakis' comments came during a speech at the MED9 Summit in Malta, which brought together the nine Mediterranean members of the EU, according to public broadcaster ERT.

Greece pursues an active deterrence policy on its sea and land borders against the flow of irregular migrants, which it remains resolute to continue, he said, adding that cooperation with Türkiye is also sought on the problem.

ERT said Greek efforts for a new EU-Türkiye deal on irregular migration are also underway.

Athens is optimistic that the deal can be reached by December, it added.

-Mitsotakis meets French president

Mitsotakis met French President Emmanuel Macron on the sidelines of the summit, his office said in a statement.

“During the meeting, particular emphasis was placed on migration and the importance of guarding the EU’s external borders and cooperation with countries of origin,” according to a statement.

Mitsotakis highlighted that cooperation between EU members is needed to prevent departures and discourage migrant traffickers.

The two leaders also discussed cooperation in technology regarding the forecasting of extreme weather events, defense cooperation and the climate crisis.