A group of 14 MEPs from the Greens/EFA, The Left, Renew Europe, and S&D have submitted a written parliamentary question to the European Commission, seeking clarification on reports that Greek authorities used Afghan paramilitaries to violently push back asylum seekers at the Evros border. The question, filed on 16 April 2026, cites a Frontex Fundamental Rights Office serious incident report (SIR 13125/2023) detailing an incident on 22 June 2023, where 61 asylum seekers, including 11 children, were forcibly returned to Türkiye by three Greek police officers and 10-20 masked, armed third-country nationals described as Afghan paramilitaries. The report allegedly concludes that the paramilitaries acted under Greek instruction and that the use of mercenaries in pushbacks is a matter of coordinated policy in the Evros region.
The MEPs ask whether the Commission or Frontex is aware of collaboration with mercenaries or paramilitaries from Afghanistan or other third countries by Greek authorities in pushback operations, and whether this constitutes an official or de facto policy. They also request information on other known cases and demand measures to hold Greece accountable, ensure swift investigation, and eliminate the systematic practice of pushbacks and collaboration with foreign paramilitaries.
Policy orientation and expected follow-up The question reflects a strong push by left-leaning and green MEPs to increase transparency and accountability on migration enforcement at EU external borders. It targets the Commission's oversight role over member state compliance with fundamental rights and Frontex's monitoring duties. The Commission is expected to reply within approximately six weeks; its answer will signal whether it views the allegations as credible and what steps it plans to take, potentially including infringement proceedings or enhanced monitoring of Greek border practices. The incident, if confirmed, would represent a serious escalation in the use of non-state actors for border enforcement, raising legal and ethical concerns under EU asylum and human rights law.
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