The Evros border fence now stretches 76 kilometers, with 400 border guards, electronic surveillance systems, border patrol units, and military outposts ensuring the security of Greece’s land borders, according to Minister Michalis Chrysochoidis.

The Minister for Citizen Protection also announced the recruitment of 150 new border guards, with 100 assigned to the mountainous regions of Rhodope and 50 stationed along the Egnatia highway in the Kavala area.

“Border security is delivering results. Migration flows today are extremely low, practically non-existent. Strengthening the sense of security for the residents of Evros, Thrace, and all Greeks is a national policy priority,” Chrysochoidis stated during a speech in Parliament on the state budget.

The minister also discussed the efforts of the Hellenic Police (ELAS) to combat crime, particularly in major cities. “In Athens and Thessaloniki, we have seen significant progress. ELAS has arrested 123,226 suspects nationwide up until November, referring them to the judiciary. Crime prevention teams in Attica and Thessaloniki alone have arrested 6,200 suspects compared to 2,100 in 2023,” he noted.

He added that in 2024, 448 criminal organizations were dismantled, and the Internal Affairs Unit of ELAS arrested 187 public servants and police officers.

Regarding domestic violence, he highlighted that the specialized ELAS offices have handled 20,113 incidents. “Every night, we face 100 incidents, and every day, 60 arrests,” he emphasized.

Finally, Chrysochoidis announced the upcoming submission of a bill on firearms possession. The legislation will introduce stricter provisions, particularly addressing the possession of weapons and knives by minors.