Quelle: Frontex

A record number of 49 550 migrants have arrived in the European Union through the Greek borders in July, surpassing in a single month the number of migrants detected in the region in the entire 2014.

Even though Italy continues to deal with a massive number of arriving migrants, in recent months the route through Greece has taken over as the path into the EU most affected by migration flows.

In the first seven months of 2015, nearly 130 500 migrants have been detected at Greece’s external borders, a five-fold increase from the same period of last year. In the entire 2014, the figure in the Eastern Mediterranean stood at 41 700.

Syrians and Afghans accounted for nine out of every ten migrants detected at the Greek borders this year. There was also a significant increase in the number of Pakistani citizens. The migrants, using small rubber and fibre glass boats, arrive from Turkey on four Greek islands: Lesbos, Chios, Kos and Samos.

Frontex is coordinating Joint Operation Poseidon Sea 2015 to assist the Greek authorities in conducting border surveillance along its sea borders.

“The fact that last month more migrants crossed the Greek borders than in the entire 2014 only underscores the need for Frontex to assist Greece in dealing with this crisis. Two months ago we asked for new contributions to strengthen Poseidon and our operations in Hungary. Unfortunately, so far we have not received sufficient numbers of equipment and border guards,” said Frontex Deputy Executive Director Gil Arias Fernandez.

“Despite additional funds, we may not be able help the countries that need assistance unless we receive the necessary equipment. I urge EU member states to consider pledging more assets needed by Frontex for these operations,” he added.

Because of the short distance between Turkey and the Greek islands, the smugglers cram migrants onto small boats. As a result, border guards must deal with a large number of incidents every day, including numerous search and rescue operations.

In operation Poseidon, Frontex currently deploys 11 coastal patrol boats, two coastal patrol vessels, one offshore patrol vessel, two helicopters and two aircraft. Frontex screening and debriefing officers also collect intelligence on the people smuggling networks.