EU 'concerned' over humanitarian crisis on Balkan migrant route
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 23 February 2016 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, EU 'concerned' over humanitarian crisis on Balkan migrant route, 23 February 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/570cdf5812.html [accessed 22 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
February 23, 2016
The European Union says it is making plans to deal with a possible humanitarian crisis as new border restrictions are halting migrants traveling across the Balkans.
In a joint statement issued on February 23, EU migration commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos and Dutch migration minister Klaas Dijkhoff expressed concern about "the developments along the Balkan route and the humanitarian crisis that might unfold in certain countries especially in Greece."
Macedonia barred entry to Afghans on February 22, days after Austria brought in new controls.
Athens expressed "displeasure" to the EU over the restrictions that have left thousands of migrants stranded in Greece.
Meanwhile, latest figures showed a huge increase in the numbers of migrants and refugees arriving in Italy and Greece by sea.
The International Organization for Migration said more than 100,000 had arrived since the beginning of the year. Last year, the 100,000 mark was only topped during summer.
Based on reporting by the BBC, AFP, and dpa
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
