Migration from Libya to Greece: Smuggling Routes and Geopolitical Tensions

Migration from eastern Libya to the Greek island of Crete is rising, with approximately 20,000 people crossing this dangerous route this year alone. Most boats depart from the Tobruk area, with refugees paying up to $4,000 to smugglers for the journey.

Experts suggest this migration route is deeply tied to Libya's "conflict economy." While there is no direct evidence linking General Khalifa Haftar's family to the smugglers, analysts believe migration is being utilized as a geopolitical tool. This trend adds another layer of complexity to the region, particularly amid existing tensions over maritime border agreements between Libya and Turkey in the eastern Mediterranean.