Switzerland and Greece sign migration agreement
Bern-Wabern, 14.10.2025 — Switzerland has been supporting Greece since 2022 as part of its second contribution in the area of migration. During his visit to Athens on 13 and 14 October, State Secretary for Migration Vincenzo Mascioli signed an agreement with Greece's Minister of Migration Thanos Plevris to continue this support. State Secretary Mascioli also visited projects supported by Switzerland in Athens and on the island of Lesbos, and exchanged views with the Greek migration authorities and representatives of non-governmental organisations.
Since 2022, Switzerland has been supporting projects in Greece to improve migration management as part of its second contribution to selected EU member states. On 27 August 2025, the Federal Council approved an extension to this support for a second phase (2025–29). Switzerland will provide Greece with CHF 28.65 million in migration support, with a focus on providing infrastructure and services for unaccompanied minor asylum seekers (UMAs). Other priorities include the early integration of vulnerable persons and the strengthening of asylum procedures. The agreement was signed by State Secretary Mascioli and the Greek minister for migration, Thanos Plevris.
During his two-day visit, Mr Mascioli familiarised himself with existing projects in the area. In Athens, the Swiss delegation visited the Athens Solidarity Center, which supports migrants in integrating into Greek society. The programme offers a range of services, including legal advice, support in finding employment, and help in accessing government services. On Lesbos, the delegation visited a reception centre and the Bridging the Skills Gap project, which is being implemented on the island with Swiss support. The project's main objective is to promote the integration of asylum seekers into the labour market. It offers activities such as vocational preparation workshops, theoretical training, career advice and job placement. These early integration efforts are designed to help refugees build an independent life in Greece quickly. This benefits the Greek economy, which suffers from a shortage of skilled workers. It also reduces the likelihood of these people migrating to other countries in Western Europe.
Due to its location on the external border of the Schengen area and on an important migration route to Europe, Greece will play a pivotal role in implementing the EU Migration and Asylum Pact, which will come into force in the middle of next year. The Pact aims to help relieve countries particularly affected by migration through a solidarity mechanism. The Federal Council and Parliament have decided, in principle, that Switzerland should also participate. At the same time, all countries are expected to fulfil their obligations under the Dublin Agreement. Against this backdrop, Mr Mascioli discussed the challenges of migration management with the Greek migration authorities and representatives of NGOs, in particular the protection of UMAs.