Refugees and migrants aiming to reach Western European countries found themselves stranded on Friday, September 17, between the borders of Croatia, Hungary, and Austria, with none of these countries willing to accept them. Reports indicate that Croatia began transferring hundreds of migrants from within the country by bus towards the Hungarian border on Friday. These refugees and migrants changed their route to Croatia after Hungary erected barbed wire to prevent their entry from Serbia, intending to continue their journey towards Germany and Northern Europe from there. Croatia's decision to transfer migrants to the Hungarian border has provoked severe criticism from Budapest, which, according to Reuters, has responded by deploying police and armed vehicles at the border with Croatia. The Croatian Ministry of Interior states that since Hungary closed its border with Serbia on Wednesday, over 17,000 refugees and migrants have entered Croatia, but this country, with a population of only four million, cannot accommodate and support this number of refugees, and now three thousand of them have been directed towards Hungary. Croatian Prime Minister Zoran Milanović stated on Friday that they have no choice but to send the migrants towards Hungary. Meanwhile, the Slovenian government threatened on Friday that it would not allow refugees entering its territory from Croatia to pass through to Northern Europe. In response to why they are not sending refugees back to Hungary instead of Slovenia, the Croatian Prime Minister said, 'The route from Hungary to Northern Europe is three times closer for these migrants than Slovenia.' On the other hand, according to Reuters, the Slovenian Prime Minister accused Croatia of violating EU regulations and stated that if the pressure from refugees becomes excessive, they would open a 'corridor' for their passage, and his government is consulting with other countries. Meanwhile, some reports indicate that Hungary began sending hundreds of migrants and refugees towards Austria on Friday evening, which has angered Vienna, stating that they will not allow them in, as Hungary did not coordinate with this country.
The Wandering of Refugees and Migrants Between Croatia, Hungary, and Austria
Refugees and migrants are stuck between Croatia, Hungary, and Austria as Hungary refuses entry from Serbia. Croatia has started transferring migrants back to Hungary, leading to tensions with both Hungary and Slovenia, who are also tightening their borders. This situation highlights the ongoing challenges and conflicts in European migration policies.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
Refugees and migrants became stranded between Croatia, Hungary, and Austria as Hungary refused entry from Serbia. Croatia began transferring migrants back towards Hungary, escalating tensions among the three countries.
- Over 17,000 refugees and migrants entered Croatia after Hungary closed its border with Serbia.
- Croatia's decision to send migrants back to Hungary has led to criticism and increased border security measures from Hungary.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
The European migration crisis has seen many refugees attempting to reach Western Europe, often facing barriers and changing policies from various countries.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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