Turkey has announced plans to construct an 8.5-kilometer-long wall along its border with Greece—the first physical border barrier the country is erecting on its western frontier to curb illegal migration into Europe, Info Migrants reports.
Turkey’s Border Security Plan
Yunus Sezer, the Governor of Edirne, a province bordering Greece and Bulgaria, announced the decision during a press conference on security, public order, and border management. Sezer, a veteran bureaucrat with previous roles in Turkey’s disaster management agency, emphasized that the project aims to enhance border controls and reduce illegal crossings.
“For the first time, we are implementing physical security measures on our western border,” Sezer stated. “We are starting at the Greek border and may expand further depending on the situation. The wall will initially cover 8.5 kilometers, subject to available funding.”
Sezer highlighted Turkey’s ongoing efforts to improve border security. “Last year, we upgraded 325 kilometers of border roads. This year, with support from the Ministries of Interior and Defense, we are focusing on installing electro-optic towers and additional security measures.”
Turkey’s Border Strategy: A Shift in Policy?
Tenders have already been launched for constructing fences and walls. While Turkey has previously built 1,000 kilometers of border barriers along its borders with Iran and Syria to control migration and security threats, it has refrained from erecting permanent walls on its western borders with Greece and Bulgaria—until now.
This move marks a strategic shift in Turkey’s approach, as it has previously used diplomatic leverage and border control policies rather than physical barriers to manage migration flows toward Europe.
Sezer suggested that the new project could be expanded in the future. “The goal this year is to complete the first section of the wall. Additional security measures will follow based on future assessments.”
According to Sezer, Edirne province has already seen a sharp decline in illegal migration. “Our province is no longer a major route for irregular migration. The number of attempted illegal crossings has dropped by 93 percent compared to last year.”
Greece Expands Its Border Wall
Meanwhile, Greece is also reinforcing its border security. In September last year, the Greek government confirmed plans to expand its existing border barrier with Turkey, despite opposition from the European Commission, which refused to provide financial support.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis previously stated: “The new border wall will be built with or without the support of the European Union.”
Construction of Greece’s border wall began in 2012 and has since been expanded using national funds. Athens recently reapplied for EU financial support for the expansion but was swiftly rejected by Brussels.
The European Commission remains opposed to funding physical barriers, advocating for what it calls “smarter solutions.” A Commission spokesperson stated: “Member States must protect the EU’s external borders in a way that aligns with European law and respects fundamental rights.”
Despite Brussels’ objections, both Turkey and Greece are pushing forward with their border security measures, signaling a long-term commitment to controlling migration flows into Europe.
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