Germany’s decision to reintroduce controls at its external borders has prompted the Hellenic Police to update its plan for protecting the land borders between Greece and Turkey on the Evros River. The move is more about sending a message of vigilance in a time of general instability than responding to increased migratory pressure on the Evros.
Minister of Citizen Protection Michalis Chrysochoidis emphasized the importance of protecting Greece’s borders during his visit to the border station at Kastanies, stating that the Armed Forces and the Hellenic Police are working together towards this goal. Sources indicate that patrols at the land border in Evros will be increased by approximately 20%.
To strengthen border security, the Hellenic Police will assign more border guards to patrol the riverside area in Orestiada and Alexandroupoli, focusing on limiting “secondary flows” of migrants. The government is also considering expanding the border fence in the Evros region, with plans for further extensions financed by national and European funds.