The EU border agency announced on Tuesday that it was reviewing twelve cases of possible human rights violations committed by Greece. This included some allegations that migrants were pushed across the border, a practice which Athens had already been criticised for in European court.

Human rights groups have accused Greece of returning asylum seekers on its land and sea borders. Greece denies this practice.

The Fundamental Rights Office is currently reviewing 12 Serious Incident reports relating to Greece. "Each is being thoroughly examined," Chris Borowski said, spokesperson for EU border agency Frontex on Tuesday.

He did not provide any further information about the incidents. Two incidents took place in 2025, while nine occurred in 2024 and only one in 2023.

The Greek coastguard and police responsible for sea and land border were not available to answer questions regarding the 12 cases. Unknown to the public, a coast guard official stated that staff operates "with full respect for lives and rights of human beings and a sense of high responsibility".

The European Court of Human Rights ruled in January that Greece had violated human rights over a case involving its border with Turkey. It referred to "a systematic practice of pushing backs" as the reason for its findings.

The Greek authorities would be responsible for any disciplinary actions relating to rights violations.

Frontex is currently undergoing reforms. It has warned that co-financing could be withheld if states, including Greece, fail to report possible rights violations.

Since 2015, when Greece was in the forefront of Europe's immigration crisis, the coast guard has saved over 250,000 migrants. According to the U.N. refugee agency, thousands of other people have drowned at sea.

Frontex's funding of Greek maritime operations has been cut due to budgetary constraints. However, the agency continues to engage with Greek authorities and insists on reforms.

Frontex has changed the way it interacts with its member states. He said that we no longer provide resources without question. "(We), insist on standards and demand action." Amina Ismail, Brussels (Additional Reporting) Edited by Peter Graff

(source: Reuters)