Key Points:
- Turkiye to Build First Wall on Greek Border:
- Turkiye plans to construct an 8.5-kilometre (5.2-mile) wall along the Evros River, its natural border with Greece, to prevent irregular migration into EU member states.
- This marks the first time Turkiye will implement physical security measures on its western border.
- Migration Challenges:
- Turkiye’s western coasts are a common departure point for migrants attempting to reach Greek islands, with several migrant boats capsizing in recent months.
- In February, six migrants drowned, and 27 others were rescued by Turkiye’s coastguard.
- Existing Border Security Measures:
- Greece has already constructed a three-metre-high barbed wire fence along part of its border with Turkiye, which it plans to expand further.
- Bulgaria built a 30-kilometre fence along its border with Turkiye in 2014.
- Turkiye’s Previous Border Walls:
- Turkiye has previously built walls on its borders with Syria and Iran to curb cross-border smuggling, terrorism, and irregular migration.
Turkiye’s decision to build a wall on its western border with Greece reflects its ongoing efforts to address irregular migration and strengthen border security. This move aligns with similar measures taken by Greece and Bulgaria, highlighting the broader regional challenge of managing migration flows. The wall represents a significant step in Turkiye’s strategy to prevent migrants from crossing into EU territories while addressing humanitarian and security concerns.
