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Croatia can no longer accept refugee burden, says PM - live updates Croatia can no longer accept refugee burden, says PM - live updates
(35 minutes later)
12.08pm BST12:08
Refugees and asylum seekers have been filmed strolling through an unguarded border crossing between Croatia and Slovenia.
Crossing into #Slovenia from #Croatia - some relieved refugees. No police. Yet. pic.twitter.com/x7qdJQnLHq
12.05pm BST12:05
The number of new arrivals in Croatia in the last few days has reached 14,000, according to the country’s interior ministry.
Around 14.000 #refugees entered Croatia by 9 AM http://t.co/iWCb9yk195 #refugeescrisis
A thousand of them are stranded at Tovarnik station, according to Patrick Kingsley.
After last night's train that never left, today it's the train that never comes. Perhaps 1000 waiting in hope at the 1st stn inside Croatia.
12.00pm BST12:00
Germany threatens QMV over refugee quotas
Germany has threatened to use a qualified majority vote to force EU states to accept a binding quota plan to resettle 120,000 refugees across Europe.
In an interview with Passauer Neue Presse daily Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said: “It just cannot be that Germany, Austria, Sweden and Italy carry the burden alone. That’s not how European solidarity works. And if there is no other way, then we should seriously consider to use the instrument of a qualified majority,”
A meeting of EU interior ministers last Monday failed to reach a deal on quotas to distribute 120,000 migrants. An extraordinary summit of the European Union has been scheduled for next Wednesday in Brussels, following a request by Berlin and Vienna.
Diplomats have cautioned Germany against using a qualified majority vote.
“The consequences of a qualified majority vote (QMV) would be significant,” said Philippe Lamberts, co-leader of the Greens in the European parliament. “Forcing QMV on such a hot issue won’t produce a result. More people are turning their backs on Europe. This should be avoided.”
Steinmeier is in Turkey today to discuss the crisis.
FM #Steinmeier calls f strengthening of transit+host countries: Hope that this is a common position in #EU. #refugees pic.twitter.com/3jstPt35cY
11.48am BST11:48
The Croatia government has confirmed it will no longer register asylum seekers, but will allow them to pass through to northern Europe.
Croatian PM Milanović: We can't register people anymore. What else to do but to let them go where they want to go? #refugeescrisis #refugees
It is unclear how this work, as the BBC’s Anna Holligan points out.
'Move on' in which direction and how..? #refugees https://t.co/3eH2hb3Fr0
11.38am BST11:3811.38am BST11:38
The queue for buses at Croatia’s Tovarnik station is long and heavily policed, according to this footage from the BBC’s Gavin Lee.The queue for buses at Croatia’s Tovarnik station is long and heavily policed, according to this footage from the BBC’s Gavin Lee.
"2 by 2" says riot officer,as 2 thousand #migrants get weary of keeping in bus line after 24 hrs at #tovarnik station pic.twitter.com/4bUggOs7QM"2 by 2" says riot officer,as 2 thousand #migrants get weary of keeping in bus line after 24 hrs at #tovarnik station pic.twitter.com/4bUggOs7QM
Croatia cannot and will not accept the burden of thousands of migrants any longer, Prime Minister Zoran Milanovic, told a news conference.Croatia cannot and will not accept the burden of thousands of migrants any longer, Prime Minister Zoran Milanovic, told a news conference.
He said: “We cannot register and accommodate these people any longer. They will get food, water and medical help, and then they can move on. The European Union must know that Croatia will not become a migrant ‘hotspot’.”He said: “We cannot register and accommodate these people any longer. They will get food, water and medical help, and then they can move on. The European Union must know that Croatia will not become a migrant ‘hotspot’.”
He also adopted the same kind of language used by David Cameron in the UK’s response to the crisis. “We have hearts, but we also have heads,” Milanovic said.He also adopted the same kind of language used by David Cameron in the UK’s response to the crisis. “We have hearts, but we also have heads,” Milanovic said.
Earlier this month Cameron said: “Britain will act with our head and our heart, providing refuge for those in need while working on long term solutions to this crisis.”Earlier this month Cameron said: “Britain will act with our head and our heart, providing refuge for those in need while working on long term solutions to this crisis.”
11.22am BST11:2211.22am BST11:22
The Greek island of Lesbos has become inundated as refugees battle to reach Athens, according to this video report.The Greek island of Lesbos has become inundated as refugees battle to reach Athens, according to this video report.
11.19am BST11:1911.19am BST11:19
Croatian PM: country will not become a 'hot spot'Croatian PM: country will not become a 'hot spot'
Croatia’s Prime Minister Zoran Milanovic has signalled a tough new approach to the crisis vowing that his country will not become a “hot spot”.Croatia’s Prime Minister Zoran Milanovic has signalled a tough new approach to the crisis vowing that his country will not become a “hot spot”.
Within 48 hours of promising free passage through Croatia, Milanovic said: “Croatia’s plan B is to no longer register and accommodate migrants.”Within 48 hours of promising free passage through Croatia, Milanovic said: “Croatia’s plan B is to no longer register and accommodate migrants.”
He said it was time for Croatia to deal differently with the problem, according to a translation from Reuters. “Croatia cannot and will not accept this burden anymore,” he said.He said it was time for Croatia to deal differently with the problem, according to a translation from Reuters. “Croatia cannot and will not accept this burden anymore,” he said.
Milanovic also called for a meeting of Croatia’s national security council.Milanovic also called for a meeting of Croatia’s national security council.
Updated at 11.24am BSTUpdated at 11.24am BST
11.10am BST11:1011.10am BST11:10
Slovenia’s government is to hold a meeting of its security council to decide on its response to the crisis.Slovenia’s government is to hold a meeting of its security council to decide on its response to the crisis.
Authorities expect thousands of people will attempt to cross into Slovenia on Friday after more than 13,000 entered neighboring Croatia in little over two days.Authorities expect thousands of people will attempt to cross into Slovenia on Friday after more than 13,000 entered neighboring Croatia in little over two days.
Most migrants want to move on toward Western Europe.Most migrants want to move on toward Western Europe.
Slovenia’s Prime Minister Miro Cerar has ruled out creating a north-bound corridor for the migrants.Slovenia’s Prime Minister Miro Cerar has ruled out creating a north-bound corridor for the migrants.
Slovenia has said it will return migrants coming in from Croatia. Dozens attempting to cross have already been held up by Slovenian police.Slovenia has said it will return migrants coming in from Croatia. Dozens attempting to cross have already been held up by Slovenian police.
Updated at 11.20am BSTUpdated at 11.20am BST
11.07am BST11:0711.07am BST11:07
Croatian Prime Minister Zoran Milanovic is giving a press conference. Serbo-Croatian speakers can follow it here.Croatian Prime Minister Zoran Milanovic is giving a press conference. Serbo-Croatian speakers can follow it here.
10.56am BST10:5610.56am BST10:56
Related: Refugees stranded near Croatia-Serbia border – in picturesRelated: Refugees stranded near Croatia-Serbia border – in pictures
10.48am BST10:4810.48am BST10:48
Almost 500,000 people have entered Europe by crossing the Mediterranean this year, according to the latest figures from the International Organization for Migration.Almost 500,000 people have entered Europe by crossing the Mediterranean this year, according to the latest figures from the International Organization for Migration.
It recorded 473,887 arrivals to Europe by sea in 2015. Almost 40% of those making the journey were from Syria.It recorded 473,887 arrivals to Europe by sea in 2015. Almost 40% of those making the journey were from Syria.
On average eight people per day have drowned making the journey this month, the IOM said.On average eight people per day have drowned making the journey this month, the IOM said.
Deaths on sea routes today stand 2812, up from 2661 at the end of August. In other words: an average of just over eight fatalities per day through the current month.Deaths on sea routes today stand 2812, up from 2661 at the end of August. In other words: an average of just over eight fatalities per day through the current month.
Midway through Sept arrivals in the Mediterranean reach 473,887 for 2015 http://t.co/KiwqJEUZo6 #MissingMigrants pic.twitter.com/GFihtNN7CaMidway through Sept arrivals in the Mediterranean reach 473,887 for 2015 http://t.co/KiwqJEUZo6 #MissingMigrants pic.twitter.com/GFihtNN7Ca
10.38am BST10:3810.38am BST10:38
Croatia has reacted sharply to Hungary’s decision to start work on a razor wire fence between the two countries.Croatia has reacted sharply to Hungary’s decision to start work on a razor wire fence between the two countries.
In a TV interview Croatia’s interior minister Ranko Ostojic said: “Walls have never prevented anyone, it is absolutely unacceptable. Hungary’s wire won’t stop the wave of people, their crazy ideas are not the solution.”In a TV interview Croatia’s interior minister Ranko Ostojic said: “Walls have never prevented anyone, it is absolutely unacceptable. Hungary’s wire won’t stop the wave of people, their crazy ideas are not the solution.”
But Ostojic said Croatia would accept people turned back by Slovenia, according to Index.hr.But Ostojic said Croatia would accept people turned back by Slovenia, according to Index.hr.
Meanwhile there are more chaotic scenes at Tovarnik railway station where thousands of refugees and migrants are waiting for trains and buses to take them to the Croatian capital Zagreb and beyond.Meanwhile there are more chaotic scenes at Tovarnik railway station where thousands of refugees and migrants are waiting for trains and buses to take them to the Croatian capital Zagreb and beyond.
Updated at 10.59am BSTUpdated at 10.59am BST
10.23am BST10:2310.23am BST10:23
Now that Hungary is building a new fence with Croatia, the only other way to western Europe from Croatia is through Slovenia.Now that Hungary is building a new fence with Croatia, the only other way to western Europe from Croatia is through Slovenia.
The Slovenia authorities are reported to be returning people to Croatia and have stopped all rail traffic between the two countries.The Slovenia authorities are reported to be returning people to Croatia and have stopped all rail traffic between the two countries.
Around 150 refugees entered Slovenia by train and were transported to a refugee centre in Postojna in western Slovenia, according to Balkan Insight.Around 150 refugees entered Slovenia by train and were transported to a refugee centre in Postojna in western Slovenia, according to Balkan Insight.
Slovenia has already reintroduce border controls with Hungary.Slovenia has already reintroduce border controls with Hungary.
Announcing the move the Slovenian prime minister, Miro Cerar, said the controls with Hungary “will make it possible to keep the situation under control”.Announcing the move the Slovenian prime minister, Miro Cerar, said the controls with Hungary “will make it possible to keep the situation under control”.
Overnight, Cerar said refugees will either be registered in Slovenia or sent back to Croatia. Speaking on state television he said Slovenia would implement Schengen rules and that “only those meeting the EU’s requirements can be allowed to cross the border”.Overnight, Cerar said refugees will either be registered in Slovenia or sent back to Croatia. Speaking on state television he said Slovenia would implement Schengen rules and that “only those meeting the EU’s requirements can be allowed to cross the border”.
9.48am BST09:489.48am BST09:48
More details have emerged about Hungary’s decision to build a new heavily armed 41km razor-wire fence with Croatia.More details have emerged about Hungary’s decision to build a new heavily armed 41km razor-wire fence with Croatia.
In a radio interview Prime Minister Viktor Orban said:In a radio interview Prime Minister Viktor Orban said:
“During the night work already began on building the technical border closure... It seems we can rely on help from no one“During the night work already began on building the technical border closure... It seems we can rely on help from no one
“Forces are being redeployed, 600 soldiers are already at the scene, 500 will arrive there in the course of the day, and several hundred at the weekend. Two hundred police have been assigned to the Croatian border.“Forces are being redeployed, 600 soldiers are already at the scene, 500 will arrive there in the course of the day, and several hundred at the weekend. Two hundred police have been assigned to the Croatian border.
“There will be no sandhill or molehill to hide behind, we will defend our borders.”“There will be no sandhill or molehill to hide behind, we will defend our borders.”
“The western Balkans route is still there. The fact the Hungarian-Serbian border is now closed has not stopped the flow.”“The western Balkans route is still there. The fact the Hungarian-Serbian border is now closed has not stopped the flow.”
Hungary’s decision to fire teargas and water cannon at refugees trying to cross its border on Wednesday continues to be criticised.Hungary’s decision to fire teargas and water cannon at refugees trying to cross its border on Wednesday continues to be criticised.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein said he was appalled by the scenes.UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein said he was appalled by the scenes.
In a statement he said: “The images of women and young children being assaulted with tear gas and water cannons at Hungary’s border with Serbia were truly shocking. I am appalled at the callous, and in some cases illegal, actions of the Hungarian authorities in recent days, which include denying entry to, arresting, summarily rejecting and returning refugees, using disproportionate force on migrants and refugees, as well as reportedly assaulting journalists and seizing video documentation. Some of these actions amount to clear violations of international law.”In a statement he said: “The images of women and young children being assaulted with tear gas and water cannons at Hungary’s border with Serbia were truly shocking. I am appalled at the callous, and in some cases illegal, actions of the Hungarian authorities in recent days, which include denying entry to, arresting, summarily rejecting and returning refugees, using disproportionate force on migrants and refugees, as well as reportedly assaulting journalists and seizing video documentation. Some of these actions amount to clear violations of international law.”
9.29am BST09:299.29am BST09:29
Asylum seeker killed in Channel TunnelAsylum seeker killed in Channel Tunnel
An asylum seeker, thought to be a Syrian man, was electrocuted last night near the entrance to the Channel Tunnel in France, a spokesman for the local authorities in northern France told AFP.An asylum seeker, thought to be a Syrian man, was electrocuted last night near the entrance to the Channel Tunnel in France, a spokesman for the local authorities in northern France told AFP.
He tried to climb on to the roof of a train to make his way to England the official said. “The individual died after he was electrocuted trying to climb on to the freight car,” the official said.He tried to climb on to the roof of a train to make his way to England the official said. “The individual died after he was electrocuted trying to climb on to the freight car,” the official said.
The man was found dead shortly before midnight Thursday. Officials said it was the 10th death of a migrant in or near the tunnel since late June.The man was found dead shortly before midnight Thursday. Officials said it was the 10th death of a migrant in or near the tunnel since late June.
Eurotunnel reported some disruption to services this morning.Eurotunnel reported some disruption to services this morning.
Our Passenger service is currently operating with up to 2 departures per hour but some trains are leaving later than originally planned ^CMOur Passenger service is currently operating with up to 2 departures per hour but some trains are leaving later than originally planned ^CM
9.22am BST09:229.22am BST09:22
Croatia’s interior ministry has reported another sharp rise in the number of people crossing its border. The figure for new arrivals this week is now up to 13,300 almost six times the number for the whole of last year.Croatia’s interior ministry has reported another sharp rise in the number of people crossing its border. The figure for new arrivals this week is now up to 13,300 almost six times the number for the whole of last year.
Interior Minister Ranko Ostojic said he had a message for migrants: “Don’t come here anymore. Stay in refugee centers in Serbia and Macedonia and Greece. This is not the road to Europe. Buses can’t take you there. It’s a lie.”Interior Minister Ranko Ostojic said he had a message for migrants: “Don’t come here anymore. Stay in refugee centers in Serbia and Macedonia and Greece. This is not the road to Europe. Buses can’t take you there. It’s a lie.”
8.55am BST08:558.55am BST08:55
Patrick KingsleyPatrick Kingsley
Patrick Kingsley has the latest from Croatia’s Tovarnik railway station.Patrick Kingsley has the latest from Croatia’s Tovarnik railway station.
More than 2,000 refugees were left stranded overnight in a border town near Croatia’s border with Serbia as Slovenia prevented hundreds of others from leaving north-west Croatia, leading to fears that the latest refugee route into the European Union may turn out to be a dead-end.More than 2,000 refugees were left stranded overnight in a border town near Croatia’s border with Serbia as Slovenia prevented hundreds of others from leaving north-west Croatia, leading to fears that the latest refugee route into the European Union may turn out to be a dead-end.
Early on Friday morning, Croatia also closed seven of its eight road border crossings with Serbia after complaining of being overwhelmed by the arrival of more than 11,000 migrants and refugees.Early on Friday morning, Croatia also closed seven of its eight road border crossings with Serbia after complaining of being overwhelmed by the arrival of more than 11,000 migrants and refugees.
At least 2,000 people were stuck in Tovarnik, the first Croatian town after the border with Serbia. While a specially commissioned train arrived to pick many of them up at about midnight, the train was still waiting in the station at 7am, its 10 carriages packed with about 1,000 restless refugees largely from Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq.At least 2,000 people were stuck in Tovarnik, the first Croatian town after the border with Serbia. While a specially commissioned train arrived to pick many of them up at about midnight, the train was still waiting in the station at 7am, its 10 carriages packed with about 1,000 restless refugees largely from Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq.
More than 1,000 others were left sleeping on the station platforms and in the streets of Tovarnik, a small and sleepy rural town that has no hotels. Small children slept on cold stone slabs, and a baby was placed inside a small suitcase to keep it warm.More than 1,000 others were left sleeping on the station platforms and in the streets of Tovarnik, a small and sleepy rural town that has no hotels. Small children slept on cold stone slabs, and a baby was placed inside a small suitcase to keep it warm.
Related: More than 2,000 refugees stranded at Croatian border townRelated: More than 2,000 refugees stranded at Croatian border town
8.43am BST08:438.43am BST08:43
A right wing mayor in Hungary has launched a chilling video warning refugees and migrants not to try to reach Germany via Hungary.A right wing mayor in Hungary has launched a chilling video warning refugees and migrants not to try to reach Germany via Hungary.
In the video Laszlo Toroczkai, the crew cut mayor of Asotthalom on the Serbian border, is shown in a field next to the border fence flanked by burley border guards dressed in shades and camouflage trousers.In the video Laszlo Toroczkai, the crew cut mayor of Asotthalom on the Serbian border, is shown in a field next to the border fence flanked by burley border guards dressed in shades and camouflage trousers.
“The borders of Hungary are protected by a fence that is continuously being built,” he warns.“The borders of Hungary are protected by a fence that is continuously being built,” he warns.
The video goes on to depict border guards in helicopters, 4x4 vehicles, on motorbikes and on horse back. The action shots are accompanied by the sound macho music.The video goes on to depict border guards in helicopters, 4x4 vehicles, on motorbikes and on horse back. The action shots are accompanied by the sound macho music.
Over the image of a map showing migration routes, Toroczkai says: “If you are an illegal immigrant and you want to get to Germany then the shortest journey from Serbia is through Croatia and Slovenia. Do not trust lying human traffickers. Hungary is a bad choice. Asotthalom is the worst.”Over the image of a map showing migration routes, Toroczkai says: “If you are an illegal immigrant and you want to get to Germany then the shortest journey from Serbia is through Croatia and Slovenia. Do not trust lying human traffickers. Hungary is a bad choice. Asotthalom is the worst.”
8.16am BST08:168.16am BST08:16
Calls for action against HungaryCalls for action against Hungary
There are growing calls for the EU to sanction Hungary over its treatment of refugees.There are growing calls for the EU to sanction Hungary over its treatment of refugees.
Countries that do not share European values cannot count on receiving money from the bloc, German Economy Minister Sigmar Gabriel warned in an interview with the newspaper Bild.Countries that do not share European values cannot count on receiving money from the bloc, German Economy Minister Sigmar Gabriel warned in an interview with the newspaper Bild.
Gabriel said that while Germany was opening gymnasiums, barracks and homes to refugee families, other countries were “laying barbed wire on their borders and closing the gates”.Gabriel said that while Germany was opening gymnasiums, barracks and homes to refugee families, other countries were “laying barbed wire on their borders and closing the gates”.
The comments came after Hungary was widely condemned for using teargas and water cannon to stop people crossings its border with Serbia. Undeterred Hungary’s anti-immigration prime minister Viktor Orban announced the start of construction of 41km fence with Croatia.The comments came after Hungary was widely condemned for using teargas and water cannon to stop people crossings its border with Serbia. Undeterred Hungary’s anti-immigration prime minister Viktor Orban announced the start of construction of 41km fence with Croatia.
The Washington Post urged Europe to consider suspending Hungary from the EU. In an editorial it said:The Washington Post urged Europe to consider suspending Hungary from the EU. In an editorial it said:
Tougher steps may be needed to stop Mr. Orban from imposing his agenda of intolerance. Austrian and German officials have suggested that generous EU subsidies to Hungary should be reconsidered; the union also has the option of suspending Budapest’s voting rights. One way or another, the European Union must make clear its rejection of Mr. Orban’s repellent policies.Tougher steps may be needed to stop Mr. Orban from imposing his agenda of intolerance. Austrian and German officials have suggested that generous EU subsidies to Hungary should be reconsidered; the union also has the option of suspending Budapest’s voting rights. One way or another, the European Union must make clear its rejection of Mr. Orban’s repellent policies.
7.56am BST07:567.56am BST07:56
Welcome to our continuing live coverage of the increasingly dire refugee crisis as more borders are shut across central Europe. Refugees and migrants continue to arrive at Europe’s door only to be being greeted with more closed border crossings, new fences and extra riot police.Welcome to our continuing live coverage of the increasingly dire refugee crisis as more borders are shut across central Europe. Refugees and migrants continue to arrive at Europe’s door only to be being greeted with more closed border crossings, new fences and extra riot police.
Here’s a roundup of the latest developments:Here’s a roundup of the latest developments:
On Wednesday, the bottleneck was at Horgoš on Serbia’s border with Hungary, where Hungarian police fired teargas at crowds of refugees who tried to rush a border gate when they suddenly found their northward procession blocked. But by Thursday, after Serbian officials bussed thousands of people from its Hungarian border to its Croatian one, the flashpoint had moved 120 miles south west.On Wednesday, the bottleneck was at Horgoš on Serbia’s border with Hungary, where Hungarian police fired teargas at crowds of refugees who tried to rush a border gate when they suddenly found their northward procession blocked. But by Thursday, after Serbian officials bussed thousands of people from its Hungarian border to its Croatian one, the flashpoint had moved 120 miles south west.
At first things seemed to go smoothly. People were dropped off easily enough in Šid. Then they walked through the cauldron of the late Balkans summer, and through a series of pancake-flat corn fields to find waiting trains and coaches, amid an initially warm series of media statements from Croatia’s prime minister.At first things seemed to go smoothly. People were dropped off easily enough in Šid. Then they walked through the cauldron of the late Balkans summer, and through a series of pancake-flat corn fields to find waiting trains and coaches, amid an initially warm series of media statements from Croatia’s prime minister.
But in Tovarnik, as the news spread that Croatia was open and more than 5,000 people piled over the border, matters quickly unravelled. The government had not prepared enough transport for such a huge volume of people, nor enough water, and there were too few officials to provide information and direction to newcomers who had little idea of where they were.But in Tovarnik, as the news spread that Croatia was open and more than 5,000 people piled over the border, matters quickly unravelled. The government had not prepared enough transport for such a huge volume of people, nor enough water, and there were too few officials to provide information and direction to newcomers who had little idea of where they were.