Summary
More than 500 migrants landed at Lavrio port near Athens after Greek authorities intercepted their boat south of Crete. Greece moved the migrants to the mainland because the facilities on Crete are full. Greece has paused asylum processing for migrants arriving by sea for three months due to an increase in migrant crossings.
Key Facts
- Over 500 migrants arrived at Lavrio port near Athens after Greek authorities intercepted their boat.
- The migrants mainly consisted of young men and were moved from a fishing boat to a larger ship before reaching the mainland.
- Makeshift reception centers on Crete are overcrowded, leading to transfers to the mainland.
- Greece has paused asylum processing for migrants arriving by sea from North Africa for three months.
- The Greek government stated that these steps aim to reduce migration from North Africa.
- More than 7,000 migrants have arrived in Crete from Libya in the past 10 days.
- The European Union reported a 20% drop in irregular crossings into the EU in the first half of 2025, though there were increases around the Mediterranean.
- The International Rescue Committee criticized Greece's pause on asylum as illegal and inhumane.
