European Commission spokesperson for migration Markus Lammert on Tuesday stressed that the Commission is in constant contact with Greece concerning a spike in the arrivals of irregular migrants from Libya, while referring at length to a letter sent by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to the leaders of EU member-states on this issue. He was also asked about the presence of Greek warships in the area and the President’s communication with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

“ We are in continuous communication with the Greek authorities regarding the irregular arrivals from Libya. Commissioner Brunner, along with the Commissioner for Mediterranean Affairs, Ms. Šuica, discussed the issue yesterday with the Greek Foreign Minister. As you pointed out, President von der Leyen referred to this matter in her letter to the heads of state ahead of this week’s European Council meeting. In her letter, she notes that 93% of the illegal crossings at the EU’s external borders originate from Libya. There has been a 7% increase along the Central Mediterranean route and a 173% increase in arrivals to Greece from eastern Libya. It is essential to continue close cooperation and maintain both financial and operational support to the Libyan authorities, particularly in relation to search and rescue operations,” Lammert said.
In her letter, the European Commission president expressed her concerns and highlighted the measures the Union intends to take, amid growing worries over the possible “ instrumentalisation of migration by Libya.”
Von der Leyen pointed out that “ arrivals in Greece from eastern Libya have increased by 173%, while departures from the country now account for 93% of illegal crossings through the Central Mediterranean,” figures that were reiterated on Tuesday by Lammert.

“ Despite the overall 21% decrease in irregular border crossings in the EU during the first half of 2025, the increased flows from Libya raise serious concerns about the security and stability of the region,” the letter noted. In this context, the President asked the EU Commissioner for Migration, Magnus Brunner, to visit Libya soon for talks with the country’s authorities.

The Commission’s spokesperson also referred to a “ possible instrumentalisation of migration by Libya” and stressed:

“ Given the current situation and indications of a potential use of migration by Libya for political purposes, it is important that we can engage with all relevant stakeholders. In this context, President von der Leyen has asked Commissioner Brunner to visit Libya soon and hold meetings with authorities both in the west and east of the country.”