MEP Jean-Paul Garraud, joined by fellow Patriots for Europe MEPs Fabrice Leggeri and Matthieu Valet, has asked the European Commission to detail immediate operational measures to stem a sharp rise in illegal immigration on the Libya-Crete-Gavdos route. In a parliamentary question dated 5 June 2026, the MEPs cite Hellenic Coast Guard reports of over 700 migrants rescued south of Crete on 27–28 May, with boats departing Tobruk. The question targets three concrete asks: operational support for Frontex and Greek authorities to prevent departures and dismantle smuggling networks; stricter conditionality of EU funding to third countries on cooperation with checks and returns; and guarantees for swift processing of unfounded asylum applications and effective removals.
The question, submitted under Parliament's written procedure, signals the MEPs' push for a tougher EU line on external border control. By linking funding to cooperation on returns, they advocate a harder conditionality regime than current EU migration partnerships typically apply. The call for rapid processing and removals reflects a preference for deterrence over reception. The Commission is expected to reply within roughly six weeks; its answer will indicate whether it shares the MEPs' sense of urgency and is prepared to tighten conditions on third-country cooperation or accelerate return procedures. The question puts pressure on the Commission to show operational results on a route that is gaining prominence as a southern gateway to Europe.