Türkiye to build wall along Greek border to prevent irregular migration
A picture taken on April 7, 2017 at Reyhanli district in Hatay, southern Türkiye, shows the border wall between Türkiye (down side) and Syria (up side) (AFP Photo)
Turkish authorities have announced plans to build a security wall along the Greece-Türkiye border in Edirne as part of ongoing efforts to prevent irregular migration.
The first phase of the project will include an 8.5-kilometer (5.2-mile) section, Edirne Governor Yunus Sezer confirmed Tuesday.
New security measures at the Greece-Türkiye border
Governor Sezer provided details on the initiative during the February Public Order and Security Meeting.
He emphasized that strengthening the border area is a priority to prevent illegal crossings.
“This year, we will implement physical security measures on our western border for the first time. The borderline will be reinforced with walls and fences. Previously, only patrol roads existed. Now, like on the eastern border, a tender has been issued for the construction of physical barriers,” Sezer stated.
Enhanced surveillance, infrastructure improvements
The project follows previous security enhancements along Türkiye’s western border. In 2023, authorities upgraded 325 kilometers of border roads.
Additionally, work continues on the installation of electro-optical surveillance towers and other high-tech security measures.
Sezer noted that the construction will initially focus on the Greece-Türkiye border, with plans to extend the wall in the future.
“The first phase will cover 8.5 kilometers, but the entire border area will gradually be reinforced. This project is being carried out with support from the Ministry of Interior and the Directorate General of Border Management,” he explained.
Impact on migration patterns
The governor highlighted a significant decline in irregular migration through Edirne, attributing it to increased border security measures.
“Our province is no longer a major migration route. Compared to last year, irregular migration activity has dropped by 93%. Operations against human traffickers have also intensified, resulting in the arrest of 110 smugglers in 56 operations this year,” he said.
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