There have been reports for years that the Greek coastguard is brutally pushing back migrants. After an incident in early April, the EU Border Agency has launched an investigation into Greece.
At least seven migrants, including two children, drowned in early April when their boat was allegedly rammed by a Greek coastguard vessel. The European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) classifies the incident as extremely serious. Frontex is currently conducting a number of investigations into possible human rights violations at the Greek border.
However, there is often no clear evidence that Greek security forces are forcibly pushing refugees back to Turkey or Turkish waters. It is often no longer possible to determine whether a boat has actually managed to enter Greek territorial waters. Athens vehemently denies that there are systematic expulsions and that refugees are being deported across the border without having their claim for asylum and protection assessed individually.
"Such a violation of European law would certainly have consequences for our work," says Lars Gerdes, deputy executive director of the EU border agency, Frontex. He also does not rule out the possibility that Frontex is deliberately turning a blind eye to human rights violations. "Our human rights officer, who works independently of the agency, is currently investigating reports of possible violations," Gerdes said. "Violations can certainly have consequences, and that is why our executive director, Hans Leijtens, examines them carefully and personally."
Greece could face financial aid cuts
As a result, the executive director of the EU border agency, Frontex, could ask the EU Commission to freeze financial aid or initiate infringement proceedings against Greece. Frontex itself could reduce its support, for example, withdraw some of its equipment.
The EU border agency currently provides Greece with significant resources. As Deputy Director Gerdes explains, "Greece plays an important role in the context of illegal migration to Europe, due to its numerous islands and long maritime borders." Frontex therefore currently supports Greece with almost 700 border guards, patrol vehicles, nine ships and one aircraft.
Securing the EU's external borders, while simultaneously overseeing respect for human rights, is often a balancing act for Frontex officials, especially given the fact that operational command has so far always been the responsibility of the EU member state responsible for the respective border. (A2 Televizion)
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