Turkey has announced plans to construct a wall along its border with Greece to curb illegal migration into the European Union. The initial phase of the project entails building an 8.5-kilometer section of the wall in the Edirne province this year, as stated by Governor Yunus Sezer. This province shares its borders with Greece and Bulgaria. The complete plan envisions a barrier stretching across the entire 200-kilometer land border between Turkey and Greece.
The initiative aligns with a 2016 agreement between Turkey and the EU, aimed at significantly reducing the flow of refugees entering the EU through Turkey. Despite this agreement, many migrants continue to attempt entering Greece from Turkey, often opting for perilous sea routes, which tragically result in frequent fatalities.
Turkey's strategy to prevent illegal crossings is not new. The country has previously erected over a thousand kilometers of walls along its borders with Iran and Syria. The proposed wall at the Greek border is part of broader efforts to fortify its perimeters against unauthorized entry.
The construction will also include road infrastructure and the installation of electro-optical surveillance towers to enhance border security. This development reflects Turkey's ongoing commitment to control migration and manage its borders more effectively.
