On 19 June 2026, Commissioner Magnus Brunner, responding to a parliamentary question, acknowledged the European Commission is aware of a Frontex Fundamental Rights Office report detailing an incident on 22 June 2023 in which Greek authorities allegedly used Afghan paramilitaries to push back 61 asylum seekers to Türkiye. Brunner stated the Commission cannot confirm similar cases or an official policy of collaboration with paramilitaries, but considers all allegations of fundamental rights violations at EU external borders a matter of concern subject to investigation by national authorities. He recalled that border management must comply with EU law, the Charter of Fundamental Rights, and the principle of non-refoulement, and said the Commission remains in contact with Greek authorities and Frontex.
The answer came in response to a written question submitted on 16 April 2026 by MEPs Erik Marquardt (Verts/ALE), Majdouline Sbai (Verts/ALE), Saskia Bricmont (Verts/ALE), Tineke Strik (Verts/ALE), Jan-Christoph Oetjen (Renew), Rudi Kennes (The Left), Merja Kyllönen (The Left), Cecilia Strada (S&D), Hanna Gedin (The Left), Damien Carême (The Left), Daniel Freund (Verts/ALE), Murielle Laurent (S&D), Birgit Sippel (S&D), and Konstantinos Arvanitis (The Left). The question cited a Frontex serious incident report (SIR 13125/2023) describing the use of 10-20 masked, armed third-country nationals, reported to be Afghan paramilitaries, acting under Greek police instruction, and characterised by the Fundamental Rights Office as 'a matter of coordinated policy' in the Evros region. Greek authorities have denied the incident.
Brunner's reply offered no concrete new measures, instead reiterating existing legal obligations and ongoing contacts. The Commission did not commit to launching its own investigation or infringement proceedings, nor did it provide additional information on other alleged cases. The response signals a cautious, procedural approach, leaving accountability to national authorities and Frontex's internal mechanisms. The question and answer highlight a cleavage between MEPs seeking stronger EU enforcement of fundamental rights at borders and the Commission's deference to member state sovereignty in border management. Stakeholders impacted include asylum seekers and migrants (whose protection may be undermined if allegations are not independently investigated), Greek authorities (facing scrutiny but no immediate EU action), Frontex (whose monitoring role is acknowledged but not strengthened), and EU institutions (with the Commission avoiding a direct confrontation with a member state).