In a bid to curb irregular migration into European Union member states, Turkiye is set to build its first physical barrier on the western border with Greece. The wall, which will span 8.5 kilometers along the Evros River, marks a significant shift in Turkiye’s border security strategy.
Yunus Sezer, the governor of Edirne in northwestern Turkiye, announced the plans, stating, “For the first time we will take physical security measures this year on our western border.” This development follows Turkiye’s efforts to bolster its border defenses, with existing fences already in place along part of the 200-kilometer border shared with Greece.
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Greece has been constructing barriers along the border since 2012, including a three-meter high barbed wire fence to prevent migrants from crossing. The country has since expanded the fence and has plans for further extensions. Similarly, Bulgaria erected a 30-kilometer fence along its border with Turkiye in 2014 to address migration and security concerns.
Turkiye’s western coasts remain a common departure point for migrants attempting to reach Greek islands. In recent months, several migrant boats have capsized, with tragic outcomes, including six deaths in February when a boat sank off Turkiye’s coast.
Turkiye has previously built walls along its borders with Syria and Iran to combat cross-border smuggling, terrorism, and the movement of migrants. The new wall on the Greek border signals Turkiye’s continuing efforts to enhance border security and manage migration challenges.
