Greece at risk of losing EU funding for alleged illegal pushbacks of migrants

Greece faces the possibility of losing EU funding due to allegations of illegal migrant pushbacks, as reported by Politico on Thursday, Anadolu Agency reported. This concern arises from investigations by the EU’s border agency, Frontex, which is currently examining 12 cases of potential human rights violations involving migrants at Greece’s borders—the highest number of ongoing investigations concerning any EU member state, according to the US-based news outlet.

The report indicates that most of these cases involve accusations of Greek migration officials conducting pushbacks of migrants at both land and sea borders, actions deemed illegal under the UN Refugee Convention and international law. Frontex has stated it will provide specific recommendations for Greece to follow, warning of possible consequences if these are not adhered to.

Chris Borowski, a spokesman for the agency, noted that the executive director of Frontex expects all recommendations to be implemented; otherwise, he may consider reducing or cutting funding for co-financed assets, such as Greek Coast Guard vessels supported by Frontex.