ATHENS — The United Kingdom and Greece formalized a new bilateral partnership on Thursday, December 18, 2025, aimed at enhancing border security and disrupting human smuggling operations across Europe and the Mediterranean. UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper signed the agreement during an official visit to Athens, meeting with her Greek counterpart George Gerapetritis, as announced in a British government statement.
The pact focuses on increased cooperation in law enforcement, migrant returns, and addressing root causes of irregular migration. Key provisions include UK-provided training for Greek authorities to combat organized immigration crime and target supply chains facilitating small boat crossings—a persistent issue in both the English Channel and Mediterranean routes.
"Illegal and dangerous boat crossings are undermining border security in both the Channel and the Mediterranean," Cooper stated. "Tackling and preventing illegal migration and going after the multimillion-pound criminal smuggler gangs is a top priority for both the UK and Greece. Organised immigration crime is a global threat—so we are taking a whole government approach. Here in the Foreign Office we are increasing our work with other countries to tackle this issue at every stage of the people smuggling routes into Europe."
The agreement builds on recent joint operations between Greek police and the UK's National Crime Agency (NCA), including a high-profile raid in Athens that dismantled an "industrial-scale" migrant forgery ring. The timing of the signing coincided with announcements of these successes, underscoring practical outcomes from enhanced collaboration.
During the visit, Cooper also revealed new UK funding for migration deterrence projects in Algeria, Egypt, and Tunisia. The initiatives aim to create job opportunities closer to home for potential migrants, reducing incentives for dangerous Mediterranean crossings. While exact figures vary in reports—some citing £1.5 million—the funding supports economic development to address migration drivers upstream.
This partnership is part of a broader UK strategy under the Labour government to forge international alliances on migration. Recent deals include a returns agreement with France, enhanced cooperation with Germany, and partnerships in Iraq and the Western Balkans. The Greek pact emphasizes upstream disruption, aligning with Cooper's "whole-of-route" approach to people smuggling.
Greece, a key entry point for migrants into Europe, has faced significant pressures, with authorities intercepting thousands attempting sea crossings. The collaboration reflects shared challenges, as smuggling networks exploit routes from North Africa and the Middle East, often linking to onward journeys toward northern Europe, including the UK.
The signing received positive coverage, hailed as a "breakthrough" in tackling transnational crime. Greek officials welcomed the support, noting it strengthens capacities without additional burdens on EU returns mechanisms.
Critics of migration policies in both countries have called for humane approaches alongside enforcement, emphasizing protection for vulnerable individuals. Human rights groups monitor such agreements to ensure compliance with international obligations.
As small boat crossings continue—hundreds reported in recent days despite winter conditions—the pact signals intensified efforts to dismantle criminal networks profiting from desperation.
Cooper's Athens visit highlights the Foreign Office's role in migration diplomacy, complementing domestic reforms like increased removals and border command enhancements.
The agreement enters immediate effect, with operational details to be implemented through joint task forces and intelligence sharing.
This development reinforces UK-Greece ties post-Brexit, extending beyond migration to security and economic cooperation.
