- Oct 1
Greece proposes EU border emergency mechanism and third-country Return Hubs
Greek Migration Minister Thanos Plevris presented plans to the EU Justice and Home Affairs Council on 1 October 2026 to allow asylum suspensions during border crises and establish return centres abroad with four partner states.
- Aug 23
Greece transfers hundreds of rescued asylum seekers from Crete to Lesbos and Samos
The Greek Ministry of Migration will transfer hundreds of asylum seekers rescued off Crete to reception centers on Lesbos and Samos for administrative screening and identification.
- Jun 12
EU puts Migration and Asylum Pact into full effect, Greece rolls out fast-track rules and return hubs plan
On 12 June 2026, the European Union's long-awaited Migration and Asylum Pact came into full application across all 27 member states, introducing mandatory border screening, faster asylum procedures and a permanent solidarity mechanism. Greece, which adopted its national implementing law three days earlier, is now operating a four-pillar system with a push for offshore return hubs.