Migrant Facility Plans Move Ahead Despite Local Opposition

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A four-hour meeting between the Greek government and representatives from Heraklion ended without an agreement over plans for a new migrant facility on Crete.

The government remains committed to establishing the facility at Athanatoi, with capacity for up to 400 people, despite strong opposition from local authorities and residents.

Minister for Migration and Asylum Thanos Plevris said the government had selected the site after examining 12 other locations and made clear that the project would proceed as planned.

He nevertheless left open the possibility of reconsidering the decision if local authorities formally propose a suitable alternative, even a temporary site, near the port.

Work at Athanatoi has already started, as the government points to growing migration pressure on Crete.

The government says Crete has served as a primary gateway for irregular migration for at least the past year and a half, increasing the need for a dedicated facility on the island.

Local authorities and residents, however, continue to oppose the proposed location.

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