The Greek authorities are planning a significant expansion of the wall along the country's border with Turkey and are counting on financial support from the European Union, reports AP.

Migration Minister Notis Mitarachi said the steel wall will be extended from 40 kilometers to 120 kilometers, with construction work due to start later this year.

There is a government decision to further expand the border wall, and we have requested European funding, Mitarachi said.

Greece has accused Turkey of "instrumentalizing" migration as a means of putting pressure on EU countries. Ankara dismisses the claim, saying it has taken on a disproportionate burden by taking in some 4 million refugees, most of whom fled the war in neighboring Syria.

Last year, twelve countries, including Greece, asked the EU for funding for the construction of border walls, which are currently financed from national budgets. The European Commission is currently not paying for the construction of walls on its external borders, arguing that it would drain funds for other migration-related activities, including funding for EU border protection agency Frontex.