FRONTEX: increase of 17% in migratory flows from Turkey to Greece

In his statement to Bild newspaper, the French head of the European border guard and coastguard notes that the number of newly arrived refugees and immigrants from Turkey to the Greek islands has increased by 17% over the last four to five weeks.

The reason, he said, is the significant increase in the number of refugees and migrants from Iran, Iraq and Syria arriving in recent weeks in Turkey.

Strengthening Frontex

Fabrice Leger proposed further strengthening of his service but also more drastic deportations. At the European level, only 40% of the deportation decisions are being carried out today, and that is a small percentage, according to him.

"Now we have the external borders under control," the Frontex chief said. He, however, estimates that migratory flows will continue. Many people in the Near and Middle East are looking for protection, while in Africa many economic migrants are looking for a better future in Europe.