Greece has announced a three-month suspension of asylum processing for migrants arriving by sea from North Africa, targeting Crete, amid rising tensions with Libya over migration cooperation and capacity issues at reception centers.

The suspension is based on a legal framework similar to the one used during the 2020 crisis at Greece's border with Turkey, and legislation to formalize these measures will be submitted to parliament soon.

The Greek government emphasizes that illegal entries will lead to arrest and detention, with plans to implement strict, legal measures to respond to the increased migrant pressure.

The European Commission has been informed of Greece's decision, and a new legal regulation is expected to be adopted on Thursday to support these measures.

Greece's hardline stance aims to control migration flows, partly driven by recent events in Libya, including the expulsion of a European mission by Khalifa Haftar, which has further complicated diplomatic relations.

The Greek government sees border closures as both a political opportunity to appeal to right-wing voters and a risk of public fatigue and perceived escalation of the crisis.

EU officials have engaged with Libya's UN-recognized government in Tripoli to develop a migration plan focused on cooperation and long-term solutions, linking development aid and trade with African countries to their cooperation in preventing departures.

Greece supports EU initiatives that tie financial aid to African countries with their cooperation in accepting deported citizens or voluntary repatriation, aiming to reduce migration flows.

The suspension will be enforced using the legal framework from the 2020 crisis, and discussions with Libyan authorities continue, emphasizing Greece's resolve to respond with strict measures.

Greek authorities are under pressure as migrants are temporarily housed in makeshift shelters, with logistical challenges hampering efforts to redistribute them, especially during the busy tourist season.

Greek officials, including the migration secretary-general, have expressed the urgency of the situation, indicating that Greece can no longer accept ongoing migration from North Africa.

Greece previously suspended asylum processing during the 2020 crisis with Turkey, and the current measures are framed as a temporary, reactive response similar to that period.

Legislation to implement the suspension will be submitted to parliament on July 10, 2025, with a focus on cooperation with Libyan authorities to prevent migrant boats from departing.