Vasilis Kikilias, the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, held a meeting with Beate Gminder, the Head of the EU Migration Task Force and Director-General of the European Commission for Migration and Home Affairs.
During the meeting, Gminder emphasized the vital role of the Coast Guard in securing Greece’s and the European Union’s maritime borders and in saving countless lives.
Recognizing her extensive experience with the European Commission, Kikilias committed to expediting all tender processes to secure European funding aimed at enhancing operational capabilities, technical equipment, and critical infrastructures, including the National Integrated Maritime Surveillance System (ESOTHE).
He provided Gminder with a comprehensive overview of current migratory trends, noting a 134% rise in arrivals from Libya, and discussed Greece’s collaboration with neighboring countries to manage these flows effectively.
Kikilias reiterated his strong stance on combating the networks of modern smugglers who endanger lives daily.
The two agreed that the Minister would visit Brussels to provide insights into the significant work being done by the Greek Coast Guard at the borders.
