Greece experienced a notable reduction in migrant flows across its sea borders during the first six months of 2026. According to figures released by the Greek Minister for Maritime Affairs, Vassilis Kikilias, total arrivals from Turkey and Libya decreased by 34% compared to the same period in 2025.
Official data indicates that 15,389 arrivals were recorded since the start of the year, a marked decline from the 23,243 arrivals documented during the first half of the previous year. The data reveals a significant disparity in the source of these flows; migrant arrivals originating from Turkey saw the steepest drop at 59%, while those departing from Libya experienced a more modest decrease of approximately 4%.
Minister Kikilias attributed these outcomes to the strategic planning implemented by the government and the Ministry for Shipping and Island Policy. He emphasized that the current approach is yielding tangible results and specifically lauded the efforts of the Hellenic Coastguard. Beyond their primary duties of monitoring and securing the nation's maritime borders, the minister noted that coastguard personnel remain actively engaged in daily search and rescue operations, playing a critical role in saving lives at sea.
