Blog

By Maritina Vezyrtzi*

Given Greece's geostrategic importance and the ongoing challenges we face on a daily basis from hostile neighboring countries, it is imperative that we continuously strengthen our defense capabilities in order to safeguard our national sovereignty against external threats.

But what really happens when challenges are transferred domestically?

The new wave of illegal immigration brings to the surface, and in a strong way, serious gaps that we face in the management of this phenomenon. There is no clear strategy, there are no comprehensive operational plans, but also no substantial government interventions with realistic solutions. Consequently, there is an inability to make decisions and an absence of serious political leadership. Let us not comment further on the diplomatic field…

Since as a country we have repeatedly faced such waves of illegal immigration in the past, where most, if not all, are instigated by third countries, with the aim of realizing their own interests and policies, shouldn't we be properly equipped internally to be able to deal with these types of phenomena?

And what do I mean by that?

A very practical and realistic idea would be the establishment of a Border Patrol force, which would exclusively protect our country's borders and operate at critical entry and transit points.

There is no need for parthenogenesis. We can follow and study existing and successful examples of corresponding security forces from various countries and apply them to our own measures.

A notable example is America's Border Patrol. So let's take advantage of the Trump administration for once (in a good way) and take notes on how the Americans managed to have such an efficient, organized, and technologically advanced system for guarding their borders.

Ultimately, if we do not have the means and technology to manufacture the "tools" we need ourselves, we can always collaborate with the Americans, who can support such an initiative by offering the appropriate know-how, training, and equipment.

Moreover, the establishment of such a security force can only be a win-win for our country. On the one hand, we strengthen our national security, deepen our strategic alliance with the US, and on the other hand, we create new and quality jobs.

At the same time, it is a very good opportunity to start utilizing the “Greek minds” and domestic know-how. For example, the construction of domestic Surveillance Drones with thermal cameras is one of the easiest and most applicable solutions. We already have the human resources, the technical plans, and the necessary know-how. All we need is the provision of appropriate materials and the political will to implement these plans.

• Maritina Vezyrtzi is a member of ELISME.