Greece is set to expand its border fence along the Evros River by an additional five kilometers (3.1 miles), a decision announced by Minister for Citizen Protection Michalis Chrysochoidis during a recent visit to the border region.
The move is part of the government’s ongoing strategy to bolster its defenses against illegal migration. It comes at a time when authorities are reporting a notable decrease in border crossings.
The minister, accompanied by senior police officials, toured a section of the existing barrier in the Soufli area. He framed the fence as a vital tool for national security, calling it a “key deterrent project” designed to “seal critical gaps” in the country’s defenses. The planned extension reflects a firm commitment from Athens to a policy of physical and technological deterrence at its land border with Turkey, which also serves as the external border of the European Union.
Border fence at Evros prevents illegal entries to Greece
The announcement is supported by new data showing a marked decline in illegal entries. According to a briefing provided to the minister, arrests for illegal crossings in the Evros region dropped by nearly 26 percent between the first seven months of 2024 and the same period in 2025. This decrease—from 3,421 to 2,518 arrests—is being cited by officials as evidence that a multi-pronged security approach is working.
This approach includes not only the physical barrier but also a sophisticated electronic surveillance system and the strategic deployment of thousands of additional border guards.
For the Greek government, these measures are not only about national security but also about fulfilling its role as a “shield” for the wider European Union, a sentiment that has been frequently expressed by Greek officials in recent years. The continued investment in the Evros fence underscores the political significance of border control as a top priority for Greece.
Related: Turkey Follows Greece in Building Border Fence Along Evros River
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