Commissioner Magnus Brunner, in a written answer on 26 June 2026, acknowledged a Frontex report alleging that Greek coastguard manoeuvres caused a migrant boat to sink on 3 April 2025, killing eight people, but declined to call for EU-level consequences, instead insisting that Greece itself must investigate the incident. The answer, addressed to 19 MEPs led by Erik Marquardt (Verts/ALE), marks the Commission's first formal response to a parliamentary question submitted on 13 May 2026.
The Commissioner noted that Greek authorities have denied the allegations and said an administrative investigation is under way. He stressed that Member States are obliged to manage external borders in full compliance with EU law and that the Frontex Serious Incident Report mechanism does not replace national responsibility. Brunner said the Commission remains in close contact with Greek authorities and has encouraged them to establish robust investigation mechanisms.
The answer contains no concrete proposals, deadlines, or threats of infringement proceedings, signalling a cautious approach. MEPs had asked when the Commission would hold Greece accountable for what they described as a pattern of structural violations, including illegal pushbacks. By deferring to national investigations, the Commission avoids a direct confrontation with Athens but risks criticism from rights advocates who argue that Greece has failed to investigate similar incidents in the past.
Institutional follow-up is likely to focus on monitoring the Greek investigation and possibly raising the issue in the Schengen evaluation framework. No timeline for further Commission action was given.