In a significant move to combat illegal migration, the United Kingdom has forged a new partnership with Greece, described as a breakthrough in the fight against international people smuggling.
Athens Agreement Targets Smuggling Networks
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper signed the pivotal agreement in Athens on 18 December 2025 alongside her Greek counterpart, Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis. The pact focuses on joint efforts to dismantle the criminal gangs orchestrating dangerous journeys across the English Channel and the Mediterranean.
"Illegal and dangerous boat crossings are undermining border security in both the Channel and the Mediterranean," stated Ms Cooper. She emphasised that tackling this organised immigration crime, which represents a multi-million pound industry for criminals, is a top priority for both nations.
Training, Funding, and Cross-Border Cooperation
A core component of the deal will see the UK provide specialised training to Greek authorities. This training is designed to help disrupt the supply chains for the small boats frequently used in perilous Channel crossings.
The collaboration builds on recent successful operations. Joint work between the Greek authorities and the UK's National Crime Agency (NCA) recently led to the dismantling of an Athens-based smuggling network. This operation resulted in:
- Eight arrests.
- The raid of a travel agency used as a front.
- The seizure of a fully equipped forgery lab.
- Hundreds of counterfeit documents, passport components, and biometric data sets confiscated.
Expanding the Fight to North Africa
Alongside the Greek pact, the UK government is intensifying its work further afield to address the root causes of migration. Ms Cooper announced new funding of £1.5 million for development projects in North Africa.
This investment, part of the North Africa Migration and Development (NAMAD) programme, aims to create opportunities closer to home for potential migrants. The funding will support projects in Algeria, Egypt, and Tunisia, focusing on training, health, and social support. To date, the NAMAD programme has already assisted more than 17,000 people.
The Foreign Secretary outlined a "whole government approach" to a global threat, stating her department is increasing cooperation with international partners "to tackle this issue at every stage of the people smuggling routes into Europe."
