Brussels, 23/02/2016 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 23 February, two days before the EU Home Affairs Ministers' meeting, the Dutch Minister for Migration, Klaas Dijkhoff and the European Commissioner responsible for this field, Dimitris Avramopoulos, expressed concerns about the Western Balkans migration route and again appealed for this subject to be decisively tackled by using a “European approach”.
In a joint statement, the two political leaders declared “We understand the pressure the different countries concerned are facing. We are concerned about the developments along the Balkan route and the humanitarian crisis that might unfold in certain countries especially in Greece”.
The Dutch Presidency of the Council and the Commission point out that “all countries involved have a responsibility and obligation to respect the European rules and put an end to the 'wave through' approach. While doing so, Governments should take into account the effects in neighbouring countries”.
The countries concerned are obliged to provide sufficient reception capacities for refugees and in this connection, the Commission is working on a new humanitarian assistance instrument for member states and third countries.
For several days now, a number of situations have been arising on the borders of the EU. The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), for example, is refusing to allow passage through its territory for Afghan migrants who are stuck in Greece and this has raised questions regarding Greek capacity in this respect and the risk of a humanitarian crisis. Austria has also restricted migrants going through its territory and the number of asylum requests submitted daily. This measure is likely to have an adverse effect on neighbouring countries.
On Thursday morning ahead of the JHA Council, an informal breakfast will bring Ministers for Home Affairs from countries along the Balkans route together in a meeting that will also include the participation of Serbia and FYROM. (Original version in French by Solenn Paulic)