Balkan countries fear becoming buffer zone for refugees

EurActiv reported in January 2016 on the refugee crisis was unfolding in the Balkans region, which incorporates one of the most popular routes for migrants and asylum seekers trying to reach the European Union.

Fearing that Western countries would decide to close their borders, FYR Macedonia, Serbia, Croatia and Slovenia were only letting refugees whose registration papers said that they would apply for asylum in Austria and Germany pass through.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Progress following Western Balkans Route Leaders' Meeting: Eleventh Contact Points Video Conference http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-progress-following-western-balkans-route-leaders-meeting-eleventh-contact-points-video-conference/

ESO: Background information: Macedonia urged to protect EU external borders http://www.europeansources.info/record/macedonia-urged-to-protect-eu-external-borders/

Deutsche Welle, 22.01.16: Winter bites Balkans but refugees keep coming http://dw.com/p/1Hh40

ESO: Background information: Balkan countries implement tighter border restrictions http://www.europeansources.info/record/balkan-countries-implement-tighter-border-restrictions/

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