GREECE prevented around 260,000 migrants from entering Europe in 2022 and arrested 1,500 traffickers, a government minister said on Saturday.

Citizens’ Protection Minister Takis Theodorikakos was speaking to 28 envoys from other European Union countries, Switzerland and Britain as he guided them to a still expanding border wall in the country’s north-east.

Greece has erected a Donald Trump-like 16-foot steel wall facing neighbouring Turkey to the east across the Evros River, which currently extends more than 17 miles. 

Mr Theodorikakos said: “The task (of protecting the border) needs the support ... of European public opinion, the European Union itself and its constituent members individually.

“It is our steadfast position that member states of first reception cannot be (migrants’) only European destinations.

“There must be solidarity among member states and a fair sharing of duties … close co-ordination is a must,” he said.

Greece has a large number of refugees stranded in squalid overcrowded camps.

The government has also drawn criticism from the European Union for its use of deafening long-range “sound cannons” along the border with Turkey to try and deter migrants.

The Greeks are currently expanding the wall to add a 22-mile stretch, with the ultimate aim of covering most of the 120-mile border with Turkey.