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Refugee crisis: EU ministers to discuss binding quotas - live updates Refugee crisis: EU ministers to discuss binding quotas - live updates
(35 minutes later)
1.21pm BST13:21
Hungary’s foreign minister says relations with Croatia are at “freezing point” over the refugee crisis, AP reports.
Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said it was easier for Croatia to quickly transport migrants to the border with Hungary instead of caring for them themselves. He said bilateral affairs could improve “if there are elections in Croatia and the new government thinks it wants to improve this relationship.”
Szijjarto said while Hungary had done everything possible to register 230,000 migrants this year, it had failed in some cases because of the aggressive behaviour of some migrants and EU rules making it hard to enforce registration.
1.05pm BST13:05
Refugees and migrants are being allowed into Hungary from Croatia as troops in armoured vehicles look on, according to NBC’s Bill Neely.
Refugees walk past Hungarian troops & armor from Croatia, then body searched by police. Welcome to Hungary. pic.twitter.com/BUFovWMSAo
Last week, the Hungarian authorities reported a sharp drop in the number of new arrivals after Hungary sealed its border with Serbia. But since Croatia began bussing arrivals from Serbia to Croatia’s border with Hungary the number of new arrivals in Hungary has shot up again.
Updated at 1.10pm BST
12.52pm BST12:52
The OECD predicts that one million people could request asylum in Europe this year.
Launching its migration outlook and brefing, the OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurria said:
“European leaders need to step up to the challenge so that Europe as a whole emerges stronger economically, socially and politically. Europe has the experience and the capacity to respond.”
“The human cost of this refugee crisis is appalling and countries need to quickly agree a fair allocation of refugees within Europe, and ensure that such vast numbers of troubled people receive shelter, food and support. It’s essential that they also address the medium and long-term policy responses to this crisis. An emerging challenge will be the integration of the many new refugees who will remain in European host countries. We need to scale-up and adapt programmes so that refugees can integrate as quickly as possible in their new homes and make best use of their skills. We should all remember that migration is not a liability, but an asset.”
12.07pm BST12:0712.07pm BST12:07
A week since Hungary sealed its border with Serbia, almost 35,000 migrants and refugees have entered Croatia, the authorities in Zagreb have announced.A week since Hungary sealed its border with Serbia, almost 35,000 migrants and refugees have entered Croatia, the authorities in Zagreb have announced.
They include 2,400 people overnight, Croatia’s interior ministry said.They include 2,400 people overnight, Croatia’s interior ministry said.
In a statement it said: “Organised migrant transport to the state border is still in effect and there are approximately 1,630 migrants at the Opatovac Temporary Admission Centre. The largest migrant arrival is still expected in the Tovarnik and Ilok area.”In a statement it said: “Organised migrant transport to the state border is still in effect and there are approximately 1,630 migrants at the Opatovac Temporary Admission Centre. The largest migrant arrival is still expected in the Tovarnik and Ilok area.”
“Yesterday approximately 5,100 migrants left Croatia while a further 1,160 migrants departed Croatia befor 9am this morning.”“Yesterday approximately 5,100 migrants left Croatia while a further 1,160 migrants departed Croatia befor 9am this morning.”
It confirmed that the border crossing at Bajakovo is closed for freight traffic, causing 20km tailbacks.It confirmed that the border crossing at Bajakovo is closed for freight traffic, causing 20km tailbacks.
35,000 #refugees entered Croatia by 9am http://t.co/iWCb9yk195 6,200 already left Opatovac tent settlement for Hungary. #refugeecrisis35,000 #refugees entered Croatia by 9am http://t.co/iWCb9yk195 6,200 already left Opatovac tent settlement for Hungary. #refugeecrisis
Updated at 12.40pm BSTUpdated at 12.40pm BST
11.54am BST11:5411.54am BST11:54
Interior ministers are due to arrive any moment now in Brussels for those crunch talks on binding refugee quotas at the Justice and Home Affairs Council.Interior ministers are due to arrive any moment now in Brussels for those crunch talks on binding refugee quotas at the Justice and Home Affairs Council.
The European Council has a live feed of the arrivals at the meeting.The European Council has a live feed of the arrivals at the meeting.
11.44am BST11:4411.44am BST11:44
Hungary’s parliament has passed a resolution calling on Hungary to “defend itself by every necessary means” against “waves to illegal immigration.”Hungary’s parliament has passed a resolution calling on Hungary to “defend itself by every necessary means” against “waves to illegal immigration.”
It said: “We cannot allow illegal migrants to endanger the jobs and social security of the Hungarian people. We have the right to defend our culture, language, and values.”It said: “We cannot allow illegal migrants to endanger the jobs and social security of the Hungarian people. We have the right to defend our culture, language, and values.”
It blamed current crisis on the EU and urged Brussels to “defend Europe and its citizens.”It blamed current crisis on the EU and urged Brussels to “defend Europe and its citizens.”
It added: “We call on the Hungarian government to gather the necessary financial resources and establish such legal requirements in which Hungary may defend itself by every necessary means.”It added: “We call on the Hungarian government to gather the necessary financial resources and establish such legal requirements in which Hungary may defend itself by every necessary means.”
Csaba Molnar, a Hungarian MEP, who opposes the Fidesz government of Vitkor Orban, described the motion as “shameful.”Csaba Molnar, a Hungarian MEP, who opposes the Fidesz government of Vitkor Orban, described the motion as “shameful.”
In a letter to European parliament he said: “As Mr Orban and its radical Fidesz see a free-fall in opinion polls, the current Hungarian government is trying everything to distract the attention of Hungarian people from their everyday problems by embracing both the rhetoric and issues championed by the far-right Jobbik party.”In a letter to European parliament he said: “As Mr Orban and its radical Fidesz see a free-fall in opinion polls, the current Hungarian government is trying everything to distract the attention of Hungarian people from their everyday problems by embracing both the rhetoric and issues championed by the far-right Jobbik party.”
11.24am BST11:2411.24am BST11:24
The overnight arrival of 2,500 refugees across Croatia’s border with Serbia, caught the Croatian authorities by surprise according to Ralf Gruenert from the UNHCR.The overnight arrival of 2,500 refugees across Croatia’s border with Serbia, caught the Croatian authorities by surprise according to Ralf Gruenert from the UNHCR.
Speaking to the BBC at the Opatovac transit camp in Croatia Gruenert was asked to explain why refugees have been involved in scuffles with the Croatian authorities. He said: “The reason is that the refugees are extremely anxious to leave as soon as possible, to northern European countries ... they fear there may be changes in politics and border crossings.”Speaking to the BBC at the Opatovac transit camp in Croatia Gruenert was asked to explain why refugees have been involved in scuffles with the Croatian authorities. He said: “The reason is that the refugees are extremely anxious to leave as soon as possible, to northern European countries ... they fear there may be changes in politics and border crossings.”
They are waiting for trains or buses to the Hungarian border, he said.They are waiting for trains or buses to the Hungarian border, he said.
11.11am BST11:1111.11am BST11:11
The EU plan to resettle 120,000 refugees, which being resisted by many states including Britain and several countries in central Europe, doesn’t go far enough according to the UN’s refugee agencyThe EU plan to resettle 120,000 refugees, which being resisted by many states including Britain and several countries in central Europe, doesn’t go far enough according to the UN’s refugee agency
“A relocation programme alone, at this stage in the crisis, will not be enough to stabilise the situation,” UNHCR spokeswoman Melissa Fleming told Reuters.“A relocation programme alone, at this stage in the crisis, will not be enough to stabilise the situation,” UNHCR spokeswoman Melissa Fleming told Reuters.
UNHCR was no longer expecting a mandatory quota of relocation spaces allocated between EU countries, which it had hoped for, but urged EU leaders to back the 120,000 places as an emergency response, on top of 40,000 places for refugees who have arrived in Greece and Italy.UNHCR was no longer expecting a mandatory quota of relocation spaces allocated between EU countries, which it had hoped for, but urged EU leaders to back the 120,000 places as an emergency response, on top of 40,000 places for refugees who have arrived in Greece and Italy.
The new figure of 120,000 represents only 20 days of the daily average of 6,000 arrivals. Fleming said the UNHCR, which had called for an initial 200,000 places, expected the EU proposal would need to be expanded in the future.The new figure of 120,000 represents only 20 days of the daily average of 6,000 arrivals. Fleming said the UNHCR, which had called for an initial 200,000 places, expected the EU proposal would need to be expanded in the future.
10.56am BST10:5610.56am BST10:56
Related: Refugees stuck in no man's land between Croatia and SerbiaRelated: Refugees stuck in no man's land between Croatia and Serbia
10.46am BST10:4610.46am BST10:46
Serbia issues border ultimatum to CroatiaSerbia issues border ultimatum to Croatia
Tension is mounting at Serbia’s border with Croatia where migrants and asylum seekers are demanding to be allowed to continue their journey, as Serbia set a deadline for the crossing to be opened.Tension is mounting at Serbia’s border with Croatia where migrants and asylum seekers are demanding to be allowed to continue their journey, as Serbia set a deadline for the crossing to be opened.
At one side of Opatovac camp, migrants are queuing up to enter. On the other side they're desperate to leave. pic.twitter.com/WbiXafB4WSAt one side of Opatovac camp, migrants are queuing up to enter. On the other side they're desperate to leave. pic.twitter.com/WbiXafB4WS
Serbia’s prime minister, Aleksandar Vucic, demanded EU action against Croatia if the border is not opened by 2pm.Serbia’s prime minister, Aleksandar Vucic, demanded EU action against Croatia if the border is not opened by 2pm.
The news agency Tanjug quoted him saying: “We are waiting for the EU to react by 14:00 hours, and then Serbia will react calmly, without violating regulations, but will show that Croatia cannot be taking it out on Serbia and humiliating it, and destroying Serbia’s economy without consequences.”The news agency Tanjug quoted him saying: “We are waiting for the EU to react by 14:00 hours, and then Serbia will react calmly, without violating regulations, but will show that Croatia cannot be taking it out on Serbia and humiliating it, and destroying Serbia’s economy without consequences.”
Croatian Interior Minister Ranko Ostojic accused Serbia of “sending refugees to Croatia instead of to Hungary in an organised manner,” and added his country was ready to completely shut down the Bajakovo-Batrovci border crossing with Serbia - “if necessary.”Croatian Interior Minister Ranko Ostojic accused Serbia of “sending refugees to Croatia instead of to Hungary in an organised manner,” and added his country was ready to completely shut down the Bajakovo-Batrovci border crossing with Serbia - “if necessary.”
Meanwhile, the Croatian media is not reporting any border closures to refugees, according to a Guardian contributor in Croatia.Meanwhile, the Croatian media is not reporting any border closures to refugees, according to a Guardian contributor in Croatia.
Updated at 10.50am BSTUpdated at 10.50am BST
9.58am BST09:589.58am BST09:58
Hungary deploys military vehiclesHungary deploys military vehicles
Military vehicles have been seen heading for Hungary’s borders a day after it gave the army the power to use non-lethal force on migrants.Military vehicles have been seen heading for Hungary’s borders a day after it gave the army the power to use non-lethal force on migrants.
Three Hungarian military Humvees with gun mounts headed to main crossing for refugees from Croatia @Channel4News pic.twitter.com/tJZ3eoXBsGThree Hungarian military Humvees with gun mounts headed to main crossing for refugees from Croatia @Channel4News pic.twitter.com/tJZ3eoXBsG
Just crossed Croatia border into Hungary near Beremen and this is what greeted us! @Channel4News pic.twitter.com/JmdjjroJiGJust crossed Croatia border into Hungary near Beremen and this is what greeted us! @Channel4News pic.twitter.com/JmdjjroJiG
Updated at 10.05am BSTUpdated at 10.05am BST
9.56am BST09:569.56am BST09:56
Croatia’s prime minister Zoran Milanovic has joined Hungary in accusing Greece of failing to control its borders.Croatia’s prime minister Zoran Milanovic has joined Hungary in accusing Greece of failing to control its borders.
Milanovic’s criticism of Greece is one of the only points of agreement between Croatia and Hungary which have been bickering over the crisis since Hungary decided to build a fence between the two countries.Milanovic’s criticism of Greece is one of the only points of agreement between Croatia and Hungary which have been bickering over the crisis since Hungary decided to build a fence between the two countries.
On Monday’s Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto urged Greece to stop treating Europeans as “idiots” and start taking “meaningful steps to protect its border and register migrants.”On Monday’s Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto urged Greece to stop treating Europeans as “idiots” and start taking “meaningful steps to protect its border and register migrants.”
But he also described Croatia’s response as “pathetic”.But he also described Croatia’s response as “pathetic”.
Milanovic said he was “proud” of Croatia’s response, according to a English translation of a TV interview released by the Croatian government. He insisted Croatia had proved itself as a modern, civilised, humane and well-organised country.Milanovic said he was “proud” of Croatia’s response, according to a English translation of a TV interview released by the Croatian government. He insisted Croatia had proved itself as a modern, civilised, humane and well-organised country.
9.38am BST09:389.38am BST09:38
Patrick KingsleyPatrick Kingsley
Updated at 10.47am BSTUpdated at 10.47am BST
9.11am BST09:119.11am BST09:11
Scuffles have broken out between Croatian police and asylum-seekers after they were barred from entering a newly opened reception centre, AP reports.Scuffles have broken out between Croatian police and asylum-seekers after they were barred from entering a newly opened reception centre, AP reports.
Troubles started at the camp Tuesday, when more migrants came to the gates than authorities could handle. Police in the Croatian village of Opatovac pushed people back from the front gate, asked them to sit down and to wait their turn.Troubles started at the camp Tuesday, when more migrants came to the gates than authorities could handle. Police in the Croatian village of Opatovac pushed people back from the front gate, asked them to sit down and to wait their turn.
Croatia set up a migrant reception operation to try to bring order to the unrelenting chaos that has gripped since last Tuesday when Hungary sealed its border with Serbia.Croatia set up a migrant reception operation to try to bring order to the unrelenting chaos that has gripped since last Tuesday when Hungary sealed its border with Serbia.
Earlier the Croatia government confirmed that a large crowd of people had gather in Opatovac.Earlier the Croatia government confirmed that a large crowd of people had gather in Opatovac.
A bigger crowd of #refugees gathered on the entrance to Opatovac tent settlement this morning. #refugeecrisis pic.twitter.com/WOWJiIKkklA bigger crowd of #refugees gathered on the entrance to Opatovac tent settlement this morning. #refugeecrisis pic.twitter.com/WOWJiIKkkl
Riot police were deployed to the area on Monday.Riot police were deployed to the area on Monday.
Riot police move at Opatovac transit camp in Croatia - migrants are restless, some want to walk out of camp pic.twitter.com/rAxjw9BTpdRiot police move at Opatovac transit camp in Croatia - migrants are restless, some want to walk out of camp pic.twitter.com/rAxjw9BTpd
9.03am BST09:039.03am BST09:03
Campaigners have urged European leaders to stop building more barriers and quibbling over quotas and instead come up with a coordinated response that offers refugees proper protection.Campaigners have urged European leaders to stop building more barriers and quibbling over quotas and instead come up with a coordinated response that offers refugees proper protection.
Amnesty International and the UN’s refugee agency have both said this week’s EU meetings are critical.Amnesty International and the UN’s refugee agency have both said this week’s EU meetings are critical.
Amnesty’s Europe director , John Dalhuisen, warned that humanity was being eroded in the chaotic response offered so far. He said:Amnesty’s Europe director , John Dalhuisen, warned that humanity was being eroded in the chaotic response offered so far. He said:
“Failure is not an option. EU leaders must reach agreement on an organized and compassionate response to the arrivals of refugees and asylum seekers to Europe. Some solutions are on the table, what is missing is the political will and leadership to see them through. EU leaders have to show leadership and face the crisis head on; not build more barriers and carry on quibbling over quotas.”“Failure is not an option. EU leaders must reach agreement on an organized and compassionate response to the arrivals of refugees and asylum seekers to Europe. Some solutions are on the table, what is missing is the political will and leadership to see them through. EU leaders have to show leadership and face the crisis head on; not build more barriers and carry on quibbling over quotas.”
“In the absence of an agreed collective response we have witnessed thousands of refugees and asylum-seekers being pushed from pillar to post, without even their basic needs being met. This isn’t migration management; it’s an erosion of humanity.”“In the absence of an agreed collective response we have witnessed thousands of refugees and asylum-seekers being pushed from pillar to post, without even their basic needs being met. This isn’t migration management; it’s an erosion of humanity.”
The UNHCR echoed this message.The UNHCR echoed this message.
Critical to reach common solution for Europe & #refugees - Fate of 1000s incl. these in SE Croatia this AM at stake pic.twitter.com/IEfyeVmGITCritical to reach common solution for Europe & #refugees - Fate of 1000s incl. these in SE Croatia this AM at stake pic.twitter.com/IEfyeVmGIT
Peter Sutherland, the UN Secretary General’s special representative for migration, suggested that member states should be threatened with expulsion if they failed to agree to binding quotas.Peter Sutherland, the UN Secretary General’s special representative for migration, suggested that member states should be threatened with expulsion if they failed to agree to binding quotas.
The first thing the EU should do now is to help the front line States Lebanon turkey and Jordan by accepting resettlement of refugees.The first thing the EU should do now is to help the front line States Lebanon turkey and Jordan by accepting resettlement of refugees.
The second thing is all the MS should be reminded strongly that membership of the EU requires common values and internal solidarityThe second thing is all the MS should be reminded strongly that membership of the EU requires common values and internal solidarity
Common values require that asylum be given to refugees rather than meeting them with barbed wire and teargasCommon values require that asylum be given to refugees rather than meeting them with barbed wire and teargas
8.40am BST08:408.40am BST08:40
Germany’s vice chancellor, Sigmar Gabriel, has been high-fiving refugees on a visit to Jordon’s Zaatari camp.Germany’s vice chancellor, Sigmar Gabriel, has been high-fiving refugees on a visit to Jordon’s Zaatari camp.
"Give me Five": #Gabriel mit Flüchtlingskind im UN-Lager Zaatari #dpaReporter @dpa pic.twitter.com/gYtanrW1ft"Give me Five": #Gabriel mit Flüchtlingskind im UN-Lager Zaatari #dpaReporter @dpa pic.twitter.com/gYtanrW1ft
8.28am BST08:288.28am BST08:28
A binding quota system for resettling refugees across Europe could be forced through under a qualified majority vote, according to one of the architects of the plan.A binding quota system for resettling refugees across Europe could be forced through under a qualified majority vote, according to one of the architects of the plan.
Labour MEP Claude Moraes, chair of a committee which pushed the idea of through European parliament last week, said today’s meeting of EU interior ministers “should signal the beginning of the end of paralysis.”Labour MEP Claude Moraes, chair of a committee which pushed the idea of through European parliament last week, said today’s meeting of EU interior ministers “should signal the beginning of the end of paralysis.”
Speaking on BBC’s Radio 4’s Today programme he said countries resisting the idea could be forced to accept some refugees or face financial penalties.Speaking on BBC’s Radio 4’s Today programme he said countries resisting the idea could be forced to accept some refugees or face financial penalties.
He said it was “appalling” that EU ministers failed to agree on the idea earlier this month.He said it was “appalling” that EU ministers failed to agree on the idea earlier this month.
He added: “The EU is not signalling an organised and compassionate response, so if qualified majority voting has to happen today then it will happen. But I think those countries who are blocking any sort of progress ... they will take some symbolic numbers or they will take some sort of financial penalty. If they don’t do that we are going to have chaotic scenes [and] ... no organised and compassionate response at all.”He added: “The EU is not signalling an organised and compassionate response, so if qualified majority voting has to happen today then it will happen. But I think those countries who are blocking any sort of progress ... they will take some symbolic numbers or they will take some sort of financial penalty. If they don’t do that we are going to have chaotic scenes [and] ... no organised and compassionate response at all.”
Moraes said the number of 120,000 refugees being resettled under the plan was already out of date, as thousands more migrants and refugees arrive in Europe.Moraes said the number of 120,000 refugees being resettled under the plan was already out of date, as thousands more migrants and refugees arrive in Europe.
He said: “We have to begin the relocation process because if you don’t get people out of these areas, like the Hungarian Serbian border, out of Croatia, what is happening then is that people just receive panic [and] you have the humanitarian problems of course ...He said: “We have to begin the relocation process because if you don’t get people out of these areas, like the Hungarian Serbian border, out of Croatia, what is happening then is that people just receive panic [and] you have the humanitarian problems of course ...
“It can be done, but at the moment with lots of countries blocking even that initial progress we won’t have it. Today should signal the beginning of the end of paralysis. But it has been a painful slow process to get to this.”“It can be done, but at the moment with lots of countries blocking even that initial progress we won’t have it. Today should signal the beginning of the end of paralysis. But it has been a painful slow process to get to this.”
Updated at 8.29am BSTUpdated at 8.29am BST
7.54am BST07:547.54am BST07:54
SummarySummary
Welcome to our continuing live coverage of the refugee crisis as EU interior ministers are due to hold talks about binding refugee quotas in the face of resistance to the idea from central European states.Welcome to our continuing live coverage of the refugee crisis as EU interior ministers are due to hold talks about binding refugee quotas in the face of resistance to the idea from central European states.
Here’s a summary of the latest developments:Here’s a summary of the latest developments: