Greece Urges EU to Halt Migrant Boats and Resume “Operation Sophia”
In a recent interview with POLITICO, Dimitris Kairidis, the newly appointed Greek Migration Minister, made a plea to the European Union (EU) to reinstate “Operation Sophia.” This operation aims to intercept migrant boats before they depart from Libya, a common starting point for asylum seekers heading to Europe. The appeal comes as Greece faces allegations of negligence following a tragic shipwreck that claimed the lives of hundreds of migrants. Kairidis emphasized the need to prevent departures from unsafe vessels, highlighting the ongoing challenges and complexities surrounding migration management.
1. The Need to Stop Migrant Departures
Kairidis stressed the importance of preventing migrant departures from Libya and other locations on unseaworthy ships. The resumption of “Operation Sophia,” an EU-led naval mission, is seen as a potential solution to combat human smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. By intercepting boats before they embark on perilous journeys, the goal is to prevent tragedies at sea and discourage unsafe migration practices.
2. Greece’s Proposal: “Operation Sophia-Plus”
The Greek proposal seeks to establish an enhanced version of “Operation Sophia” called “Operation Sophia-Plus.” This initiative would involve EU vessels stationed in Libyan territorial waters with the agreement of the local government. The aim is to disrupt and dismantle migrant smuggling routes, ultimately preventing boats from leaving in the first place. However, critics highlight the challenges of securing Libya’s cooperation, as the country has been hesitant to allow EU vessels into its territorial waters and has faced scrutiny regarding migrants’ rights in its detention centers.
3. Debates within the EU
The EU is currently deliberating its response to the recent Adriana shipwreck and the broader migration issue. The European Parliament has endorsed a non-binding resolution advocating for a Europe-wide search-and-rescue operation for migrants. However, some diplomats express concerns that such operations may inadvertently encourage more departures from North Africa and sustain the business of human smugglers. EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson has not explicitly supported this approach, highlighting the complexity of finding a balanced response.
4. Defense of the Greek Coast Guard
Amid criticism directed at the Greek coast guard, Kairidis defended their actions, emphasizing their role in saving thousands of migrants over the years. He refuted claims that the coast guard ignored offers of assistance from the EU border agency Frontex. Kairidis maintained that any judgment on their recent actions should be reserved until the ongoing national investigation is concluded. He also highlighted that the trawler could not have been towed without the consent of those on board, disputing the testimonies of survivors.
5. Importance of Frontex and Greece’s Approach
Kairidis rejected comparisons between Greece’s approach to migration and the policies of Hungarian and Polish far-right leaders. He emphasized that Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, a center-right conservative, is not in line with leaders like Viktor Orbán and Mateusz Morawiecki. He argued that Hungary and Poland have opposed Frontex and the recent EU migration and asylum pact, while Greece played a crucial role in securing the pact’s approval. Kairidis cautioned against ending Frontex operations in Greece, stating that such a move would be counterproductive and hinder efforts to save lives.
The call from Greece’s Migration Minister to resume “Operation Sophia” highlights the country’s concern over migrant departures and the need for preventive measures to avoid tragedies at sea. The proposal seeks to disrupt smuggling routes and intercept boats before they embark on dangerous journeys. As the EU deliberates its response, finding a balanced approach that addresses humanitarian concerns while discouraging unsafe migration practices remains a complex task. The ongoing investigation will shed more light on the actions of the Greek coast guard, and any necessary consequences will be determined based on the findings. It is crucial to approach migration management with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges involved and to strive for solutions that prioritize human safety and well-being.
