On April 8, the EU’s border agency announced that it is looking into 12 incidents that may be linked to human rights violations by Greece, including allegations of illegal pushbacks of migrants across the border—a practice for which Athens has already been condemned by the European Court of Human Rights.
According to Frontex representative Kris Borowski, the EU border agency is currently reviewing 12 active cases involving serious incidents related to Greece. Some of these cases concern suspected illegal pushbacks of migrants at the border, but no further details were provided. Out of all the incidents, two occurred in 2025, nine in 2024, and one in 2023.
Greek coast guard and police representatives, who are responsible for maritime and land borders, were unable to comment on the cases promptly. One official stated that staff act “with a strong sense of responsibility and full respect for human life and human rights.”
Borowski pointed out that funding for Greece’s maritime operations from Frontex was reduced last year due to an overall budget cut, but the agency continues to cooperate with Greek authorities, pressing for reforms.
In early 2025, the European Court of Human Rights ruled that Greece unlawfully deported a woman to Turkey using the “pushback” method at the border, describing this practice as systematic.
