Greece intercepts over 500 migrants near Crete, taking emergency actions due to rising Mediterranean crossings from Libya. The influx has overwhelmed local facilities, prompting the suspension of asylum processing for three months.

Greece on Thursday unveiled a series of tougher measures aimed at curbing the arrival of migrants, following an earlier announcement by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

The coast guard noted 7,300 asylum-seekers have reached Crete and a nearby island this year, up from fewer than 5,000 in 2024. More than 2,500 arrivals have been recorded since June alone.

Over 500 migrants, intercepted near Crete, were transferred to Lavrio port as Greece enacts emergency protocols amid increasing Mediterranean crossings. With capacity issues in Crete's reception centers,

Is it safe to travel to Crete? Your holiday rights as wildfires rip through Greek island - Firefighters continue to battle the blaze in its second day after authorities said it's hard to contain

Firefighters struggled to gain control over a massive wildfire burning on the Greek island of Crete, as powerful winds fanned the flames.

As Greece announces a three-month pause on accepting asylum applications from people arriving by sea from North Africa, and plans to immediately detain those reaching Greece via the Mediterranean Sea,