Greece is the main entry point for migrants to the European Union, with majority coming over the Aegean Sea to Turkey via the Greek islands.
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“We have just agreed the modalities of NATO’s support in responding to the refugee and migrant crisis”, Stoltenberg said in a statement released on 25 February.
“Because this crisis affects all of us”, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said after late-night negotiations among allies in Brussels.
“We have found between Turkey and Greece, that there are practically no refugees that can be send back to turkey”, he said at a press conference in Berlin.
The head of the EU’s border control agency has warned more migrants will arrive on Europe’s shores this year.
“NATO is now working out all the legal details but it is important to repeat that this is a mission for reconnaissance and to send information to the appropriate organisations of Greece and Turkey, simply to give information”.
Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu is expected to attend but Ankara has not yet confirmed his presence at the Brussels meeting, the official said on customary condition of anonymity.
Relations between Greece and Turkey have traditionally been tense and Greece’s defense minister this week accused Turkey of trying to undermine the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation agreement.
“Our ships will be providing information to the coastguards and other national authorities of Greece and Turkey” to help them deal with illegal trafficking networks, Stoltenberg said, adding that North Atlantic Treaty Organisation is laying down direct links with Frontex. The NATO mission will initially be led by Germany, with five ships in total.
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Should NATO ships take migrants back to Turkey despite being in European waters, the move effectively seals the aquatic Greek border.
