Turkey is set to construct an 8.5-kilometer wall along its border with Greece, marking its first major physical barrier on the western frontier. Edirne Governor Yunus Sezer announced the move during a press briefing, emphasizing the goal of tightening border security and curbing illegal crossings.
“This is our first major security measure on the western border,” Sezer stated. “The project starts here, but future expansion depends on funding and circumstances.”
Turkey has already upgraded its border infrastructure, completing 325 kilometers of roads and installing electro-optical towers with support from the interior and defense ministries. The government has also ramped up efforts to combat human smuggling, which, according to Sezer, has helped slash illegal migration attempts in Edirne by 93% over the past year.
While Turkey reinforces its border, Greece has been doing the same. Despite pushback from the European Commission, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis remains committed to extending Greece’s border fence, even without EU financial backing. “The new fence will be built with or without the European Union,” he declared.
Brussels has repeatedly rejected Athens’ requests for funding, arguing that EU resources should go toward “more intelligent solutions” rather than physical barriers. However, with ongoing instability in the Middle East, Greece continues to push for additional border security measures, regardless of EU support.
