Croatia Warns of Closing Its Borders to Refugees

Ranko Ostojic, the Croatian Minister of the Interior, announced that if his country witnesses an influx of eight thousand refugees in a single day, it will close its borders with Serbia. Meanwhile, reports indicate a large group of refugees entering Slovenia. Following the closure of Hungary's borders with Serbia on Tuesday, nearly 9,000 refugees and migrants entered Croatia from early Wednesday. According to Reuters, Mr. Ostojic, in the town of Tovarnik located at Croatia's eastern border with Serbia, stated that the country will transfer migrants to temporary accommodations set up around Zagreb, but those who do not apply for asylum will be considered illegal migrants. He declared that 'only in the last 24 hours, six thousand five hundred people have entered Croatia, and this country cannot accept more.' Mr. Ostojic also emphasized that migrants can safely move towards Zagreb, but the country will not allow them to head north towards Slovenia. Meanwhile, Slovenian state television announced on Thursday night that the first large group of refugees arrived in the country by train from Croatia. According to this report, this group, which includes 200 refugees, is temporarily housed in three train carriages at the Dobova station, which is a border railway station in Croatia. Croatia has recently become the latest transit point for migrants heading towards Western Europe, and reports from the German news agency indicate that official sources in Croatia predict that up to 20,000 refugees will enter the country in the next two weeks. After tear gas was fired and police clashed violently with migrants gathered at the border between Hungary and Serbia, thousands have headed towards Croatia since Wednesday. The Associated Press reports that for thousands of migrants who have reached Serbia from the Syrian civil war and other parts of the Middle East, crossing through Croatia towards Western and Northern Europe will be a more difficult and longer route. However, after Hungary's recent strict measures and the detention of those who crossed its border, migrants now have no other choice. Migrants arrive at the Croatian border after a long journey by bus in Serbia. After crossing the border, Croatian police units guide the migrants to trains designated for their transfer to temporary accommodations around Zagreb, the capital of the country. Croatian police have warned migrants not to spread out along the border with Serbia, as these areas were mined during the Yugoslav civil war. Meanwhile, the Associated Press predicts that it is unlikely that migrants will stay long in Croatia, as most intend to move from Croatia to Slovenia and from there to Austria, Germany, or Scandinavian countries. Despite the Croatian Minister of the Interior stating that they will not allow migrants to easily head towards Slovenia, the country's Foreign Minister said that Croatia cannot force anyone to stay in the country. Austria and Slovenia, concerned about the new wave of refugees entering through Croatia, called for a quick decision from the European Union and a coordinated response to this issue on Thursday. Both countries have also intensified border protection. In this context, the Austrian Chancellor stated, 'We are facing a great test. This time, all EU member countries must prove that we do not want a Europe where each country shifts its responsibilities onto others.' The Slovenian Prime Minister also stated that his country will respect the free movement between Schengen Agreement member countries but did not specify what it would do regarding the potential entry of refugees into the country. Meanwhile, Hungary has stated that Croatia's handling of the refugee situation indicates that the country is not ready to join the Schengen area. The Associated Press reports that Hungary's decision to build more border fences at its borders with Romania and Croatia has sparked further disputes in Europe. Apparently, this fence will be about 70 kilometers long at the border with Romania, and the Romanian government reacted sharply to this decision, describing it as a violation of EU regulations. Reactions to Hungary's police treatment of migrants have also sparked strong responses across Europe and the world. Ban Ki-moon, the UN Secretary-General, described the Hungarian government's behavior as unacceptable. However, Hungary's Foreign Minister responded to this criticism by saying, 'It is truly surprising that prominent international figures defend those who threw stones at the police for hours.' He added that 'regardless of all criticisms of the Hungarian government, we will never allow violent and protesting individuals like these to enter Hungary, even if their goal is only to pass through the country.' In another reaction, Dimitris Avramopoulos, the EU Commissioner for Migration, stated on Thursday that violence and building walls are not the solution to this problem. He urged Hungary to cooperate with other EU member countries to alleviate the pressure of migrants. The EU Commissioner for Migration added at a press conference in Budapest, 'Most migrants coming to Europe are fleeing the Syrian war. They truly need help and protection. People fleeing war will cross any border, any wall, and any sea to reach a safe point. Helping and protecting these individuals is our moral duty.' The Hungarian government, on the other hand, has always claimed that most of these individuals are economic migrants seeking better income and work in Europe, and Viktor Orban, the Prime Minister of Hungary, stated that the police of his country defend 'Christian European culture' by preventing the entry of Muslims.