Cooperation Between Austria and Greece to Address Illegal Migration as a Hybrid Threat

PeopleDiplomats ♦ Published: June 5, 2023; 23:43 ♦ (Vindobona)

The signing of the "Vienna Declaration" took place at the Ministry of Defense in Vienna. Dr. Arnold Kammel, Secretary General and Defense Policy Director of the Austrian Ministry of Defense, and Dr. Konstantinos Balomenos, Defense Policy Director of Greece, signed the declaration in the presence of the Greek Ambassador in Vienna, H.E. Catherine Koika.

Defense Policy Director Dr. Arnold Kammel (l.), Greek Defense Policy Director Dr. Konstantinos Balomenos (m.) and Greek Ambassador to Vienna H.E. Catherine Koika (r.). / Picture: © Austrian Armed Forces Photograph/Gunter Pusch

This landmark declaration addresses the instrumentalization of illegal migration as a hybrid threat and highlights the significant role of the military in combating this challenge. It is the result of intensive discussions and two landmark workshops held in Greece and Austria in 2022.

Illegal migration received special attention during the workshops, as Greece not only needs to…