Events in Afghanistan have increased fears in the European Union of a migration crisis similar to the one in 2015.
Greece announced that it had completed the extension of the border wall with Turkey as part of its efforts to stop a possible wave of Afghan migrants triggered by the Taliban seizure of power.
The 40-kilometer fence at the border has a new automatic electronic monitoring system to stop migrants trying to reach Europe in the coming months.
“The crisis creates new Afghan events in the geopolitical sphere and at the same time creates the possibility of migration flows “, said the Greek Civil Protection Minister Michalis Chrisochoidis, after visiting the region of Evros.
Events in Afghanistan have raised fears in the European Union of a migration crisis similar to that of 2015, when nearly a million people fleeing war and poverty in the Middle East crossed borders.
Greece, which was on the front lines of that crisis, claims that its border forces are on alert to ensure that the nation does not once again become an irregular gateway.
“As a country, we cannot remain indifferent to the possible consequences,” said Chrisochoidis, adding that the ” borders will remain secure and inviolable .”
Greece completes border wall extension to deter potential Afghan migrants https://t.co/Fxy8ZIn1eJ pic.twitter.com/x6BxImzKiH
— Reuters (@Reuters) August 21, 2021
Meanwhile, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has warned his neighbors that “Turkey has no duty, responsibility or obligation to be Europe’s migrant storage unit .” The president also noted that his government has been strengthening security along the border with Iran with the presence of the military and a new wall.