Think again, says Europe to Greece’s plans for an anti-migrant fence

04/01/11 01:03 CET

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Plans for Greece to boost security against illegal immigrants by building a fence along its border with Turkey have been dismissed by the EU.

Greece is reportedly the only country in the EU where illegal immigration went up last year. One minister is quoted as saying they are at their ‘wits end’ with the problem. The EU says a fence would be a temporary measure.

“Fences and walls have proven in the past to be really short term measures that don’t really help addressing more and managing the migratory challenges,” said Michele Cerone, European Commission spokesperson

Asian and African migrants use the land border with Turkey to reach the EU, after the bloc stepped up surveillance at its sea borders.

Turkey’s ministers have not discussed the plans but recognise the problem, as pointed out by Deputy Prime Minister Cemil Cicek.

“Each country has the right to take necessary measures in their region to protect the security of their borders and the right to prevent illegal crossing of the borders,” he said.

Athens said an average of “200 refugees each day” crossed into Greece from Turkey last year. Their government has yet to respond to the EU’s reaction to plans for a fence.