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Crete Sees Threefold Rise in Irregular Migration Amid EU Policy Shift
Crete saw 20,000 migrant arrivals last year as smugglers shifted to a longer Libya route; Frontex plans to double officers to 10,000 amid rising sea rescues and deaths.
- The Greek island of Crete saw a sharp increase in irregular migrant arrivals in 2025, with about 20,000 people — three times more than before — arriving from North Africa even as overall irregular migration to Europe declined. This route from eastern Libya has become busier and more dangerous.
- In response, the European Union’s border agency Frontex is focusing more surveillance and patrol resources on the Libya-to-Crete corridor, including drones and larger vessels, as the EU prepares tougher migration policies.
- Greece has tightened asylum rules for those arriving via this route, while broader EU migration rules are set to enforce stricter border screening and deportations. The central Mediterranean crossing remains perilous, with many fatalities reported.
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EU seeing surge of migration through Crete
TYMPAKI, Greece -- Crete, Greece's largest island, saw a threefold increase in irregular migration last year, even as overall irregular migration to Europe fell by 26% in 2025 compared with the previous year, according to data from Frontex, the European Union's border agency. It has become the country's busiest point of entry with about 20,000 arrivals.
Greek island sees illegal crossings spike as Europe readies tougher migration measures
An Israeli-built Heron 2 drone whirs off the tarmac on a new surveillance mission. The aircraft's sensors scan for boats along the 350-kilometer (220-mile) stretch of sea between Libya and the Greek island of Crete and can detect activity hidden below deck. Crete, Greece’s largest island, saw a…
Coverage Details
Total News Sources21
Leaning Left9Leaning Right2Center8Last UpdatedBias Distribution47% Left
Bias Distribution
- 47% of the sources lean Left
47% Left
L 47%
C 42%
11%
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