Last Updated: Friday, 26 May 2023, 13:32 GMT

Hungarian PM wants EU to erect new Greek frontier to stop migrants

Publisher Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty
Publication Date 8 January 2016
Cite as Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Hungarian PM wants EU to erect new Greek frontier to stop migrants, 8 January 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/56c428c04.html [accessed 28 May 2023]
DisclaimerThis 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.

January 08, 2016

Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor OrbanHungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban

Hungary's prime minister says the European Union should establish a new frontier on the northern border of Greece as a "line of defense" to stop migrants.

Victor Orban, known for his tough antimigration stance, said on January 8 that a recent deal with Turkey will not be enough to stop hundreds of thousands of migrants from coming to Europe.

Hungary put up fences on the country's southern border last year to keep out migrants and asylum seekers.

The fences initially drew criticism from Hungary's European Union partners, but several countries, such as Slovenia and Austria, have since raised barriers of their own.

Orban said: "It is nice that [Turkey] has promised that there would be a line of defense there, but we need to build one of our own from our own resources on the northern border of Greece and stop – not slow down, but stop – migration."

The EU has offered Turkey some $3.26 billion in aid and political concessions, including easing of visa restrictions, in exchange for increased cooperation to stem the flow of migrants.

The European Union said on January 7 that Turkey is not doing enough to decrease the flow of migrants into Europe.

Germany alone has said about 3,200 people are arriving each day, many through Turkey.

Based on reporting by Reuters and AP

Link to original story on RFE/RL website

Copyright notice: Copyright (c) 2007-2009. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036

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