OPINION

Migration breakthrough

A recent agreement reached between the European Union and Turkey, whereby Greece’s neighbor across the Aegean has agreed to take back irregular migrants who have made their way to Europe through its borders, marks a significant step in the bloc’s policy and will go a long way toward safeguarding Greek interests.

Foot-dragging by a number of ministers whose job it is to tackle illegal migration led to an explosion in the number of irregular immigrants that came into Greece. Over time, their large number created political and social problems.

But now it looks like something is finally changing. The EU is acknowledging that unchecked migration is a serious problem for Greece, as a country on the bloc’s eastern border and with thousands of kilometers of coastline.

Repatriation programs work and Greece has been making significant progress on this front. The best proof can be seen in the improvement of central parts of Greece’s cities.

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