The Council of Ministers of Interior and Justice of the European Union convened in Luxembourg on June 12 and 13, 2025, with Sevi Voloudaki in attendance.
During her remarks on the returns policy, the Deputy Minister emphasized that implementing effective returns is a key priority for the Greek government. “Returns need to be made genuinely viable and dependable at the European level,” she stated.
She further mentioned that no internal measures, no matter how well-structured, can succeed without fruitful collaboration with countries of origin. “We endorse any initiative that enhances this collaboration,” she noted. “It is in our shared interest to develop more balanced and mutually beneficial relationships with third countries.”
Addressing the situation in Libya, Ms. Voloudaki expressed significant concern over the rise of a new migratory route from Tobruk to Crete, which has seen over 4,000 arrivals in the first half of 2025. She pointed out that “the limited capacity for cooperation and the lack of a stable communication channel in the area hinder timely and coordinated management of developments, rendering predictability nearly impossible.”
In conclusion, the Deputy Minister remarked: “The external dimension of migration necessitates collective responsibility and joint efforts. Greece stands ready to contribute constructively to any initiative aimed at stabilizing the situation and alleviating pressures on frontline states like ours.”
Regarding the future legal status of displaced persons from Ukraine, Ms. Voloudaki advocated for extending the temporary protection status until March 2027 and emphasized the importance of establishing a unified European strategy for their gradual return and reintegration. During the Council, she also engaged with her counterparts from Member States to discuss shared interests in migration and asylum.
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