Austria, Greece reaffirm common position in dealing with migration to EU

By Ahmet Gencturk

ATHENS (AA) – Austria and Greece on Wednesday reaffirmed their common position in dealing with migration to the EU.

Speaking at a joint news conference with Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer in Vienna, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis thanked Austria for supporting Greece politically, diplomatically and sending border guards to deal with inflow of irregular migrants.

Asserting that Greece’s borders are also of the EU, he highlighted the significantly decreased number of irregular migrants via Aegean Sea in the last five years.

"This state of affairs is result of our effective guarding of the borders," Mitsotakis claimed, adding that Greece will continue to build a wall on border with Türkiye to prevent entry of irregular migrants.

He said: “It is not possible for the wretched traffickers to determine who enters the EU. This is a decision that must be taken by the EU member states themselves.”

Nehammer, for his part, said: “We both know how important it is to resolutely continue the fight against illegal immigration, precisely because we understand the issue so well and agree with each other.”

Saying that Austria will keep advocating for more European support to Greece in handling irregular migration, he added: “Because when Greece protects the external borders, it also protects the borders of Austria.”

Regarding the discussions in Germany on the irregular migration, Nehammer noted that many of the measures which are considered to be implemented are already in place in Austria.

"We would support if Germany adopts a tougher position in regard to the irregular migration, including enforcing deportations," he added.