Greek authorities have asked Bulgaria for a controlled discharge of water from the Ivaylovgrad Dam in order to prevent illegal migrants crossing the Maritza River. Greek TV stations Star and Antenna have reported of controlled rising of river levels. At the request of Athens water from the Ivaylovgrad dam was released.

The rise of Maritza water level is of strategic importance for the protection of the Greek-Turkish border at Evros, it was reported. Rising water has flooded a bridge previously used for illegal entry into Greece. The border in the Evros region is guarded 24 hours a day, jointly by forces of the European Frontex Agency and special Cypriot police forces.