Η European Commission called on Friday the Greece to launch an investigation into the reports regarding illegal pushbacks of migrants, while at the same time commending the Croatia for its commitment to launch a relevant investigation.
«I must say that the Croatian government is taking this very seriously; they will investigate it immediately,» said the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ilva Johansson, at an EU meeting in Luxembourg.
«My discussion with the Greek minister was different, and I made it clear that I would not accept Greece failing to investigate this matter.», he added. «We must protect our external borders, but we must also protect our values, the rule of law, and fundamental rights.».
Johansson held meetings with the interior ministers of Croatia and Greece on Thursday, following reports by the German media outlets Der Spiegel and ARD regarding illegal and, in some cases, violent pushbacks of migrants by Greek and Croatian officials.
According to these reports, German media outlets have video footage of 11 pushbacks carried out by Croatian police in Bosnia, as well as evidence—including video—regarding the forced return of migrants to the Aegean Sea by the Greek Coast Guard.
The Greek Ministry of Migration denied reports of pushbacks and said it is acting within the framework of international law to protect the borders of Greece and the EU.
