10 JULY: FRONTEX PULLS OUT OF LEROS – Last-ditch efforts underway to reverse the move as former Deputy Minister Manos Konsolas intervenes.
By Nikos Ignatidis
Leros Mayor Timotheos Kottakis: “Frontex must stay and continue guarding Europe’s borders.”
Official: Frontex Exit Leaves Leros Vulnerable
The announcement is final: Frontex will withdraw from Leros on 10 July, dealing a severe blow to the island as migrant smugglers exploit weakened border controls. With arrivals spiking, local authorities warn of an “organised invasion” of irregular migrants, threatening Greece’s—and Europe’s—frontiers.
The EU border agency’s departure strips Leros of critical surveillance resources, leaving the Hellenic Coast Guard to shoulder the burden alone. “Unthinkable,” say officials, as smugglers capitalize on the vacuum.
Why is Germany abandoning Leros via Frontex?
Leros News investigations reveal:
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Germany’s Bundespolizei claims it lacks personnel to staff the Frontex Deu 64 mission (10 officers/month, drawn from German coast guard, customs, and police, plus two Dutch and two Polish agents).
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Baffling justification, given Germany’s 50,000-strong federal police force.
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Hypocrisy alleged: Berlin tightens its own borders while refusing to secure EU frontiers in Greece.
Race to Reverse the Decision
Dodecanese MP Manos Konsolas has launched urgent diplomatic efforts to extend Frontex’s presence. “The next three months are critical,” he stresses, with summer weather expected to fuel more crossings.
Mayor’s Appeal: “We Need Frontex Now”
In an exclusive statement to Leros News, Mayor Kottakis vowed to raise the issue directly with PM Mitsotakis during their meeting this Saturday.
“This is non-negotiable. Frontex’s role is vital for Leros and Europe’s security,” he declared, pledging to keep fighting for the island’s future.