This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2015/sep/24/refugee-crisis-eu-splits-exposed-at-emergency-summit-live-updates

The article has changed 18 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 16 Version 17
Refugee crisis: EU splits exposed at emergency summit – as it happened Refugee crisis: EU splits exposed at emergency summit – as it happened
(7 months later)
3.17pm BST3.17pm BST
15:1715:17
We’re going to pause the blog for now, so here’s the latest summary:We’re going to pause the blog for now, so here’s the latest summary:
3.05pm BST3.05pm BST
15:0515:05
Croatia has fleshed out its accusation that Serbia is colluding with Hungary over sending refugees to Croatia, while Hungary says it is prepared to set up refugee corridors from Croatia to Hungary.Croatia has fleshed out its accusation that Serbia is colluding with Hungary over sending refugees to Croatia, while Hungary says it is prepared to set up refugee corridors from Croatia to Hungary.
An English translation of remarks given by Croatian Prime Minister Zoran Milanovic accused “Serbia, in agreement with Hungary, of sending refugees in an organised fashion to its border with Croatia.”An English translation of remarks given by Croatian Prime Minister Zoran Milanovic accused “Serbia, in agreement with Hungary, of sending refugees in an organised fashion to its border with Croatia.”
It said: “Serbia is letting refugees wander around the country in a disorganised manner ... until they gather in the north and then send them in an organised fashion only to the Croatian border”.It said: “Serbia is letting refugees wander around the country in a disorganised manner ... until they gather in the north and then send them in an organised fashion only to the Croatian border”.
It quotes Milanovic as saying: “Why are they doing it? Because they have an agreement with Budapest.”It quotes Milanovic as saying: “Why are they doing it? Because they have an agreement with Budapest.”
He adds: “That won’t do... Either Serbia set[s] up refugee camps, as we have or send some to Horgos [a Serbian-Hungarian border crossing]”.He adds: “That won’t do... Either Serbia set[s] up refugee camps, as we have or send some to Horgos [a Serbian-Hungarian border crossing]”.
Hungary has yet to respond to the charge. But it did say that Hungary may consider a “corridor” for migrants to pass through from Croatia by train or bus if Austria and Germany want one and take full responsibility.Hungary has yet to respond to the charge. But it did say that Hungary may consider a “corridor” for migrants to pass through from Croatia by train or bus if Austria and Germany want one and take full responsibility.
Explaining the idea Janos Lazar, Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s chief of staff, said the Hungary’s primary goal was to protect its borders.Explaining the idea Janos Lazar, Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s chief of staff, said the Hungary’s primary goal was to protect its borders.
Reuters quoted him saying: “If Austria and Germany want this and take responsibility for this along with other EU members, the Hungarian government will consider the ... possibility of creating conditions for migrants arriving from Croatia to the Hungarian border ... to move on in regulated circumstances.”Reuters quoted him saying: “If Austria and Germany want this and take responsibility for this along with other EU members, the Hungarian government will consider the ... possibility of creating conditions for migrants arriving from Croatia to the Hungarian border ... to move on in regulated circumstances.”
2.27pm BST2.27pm BST
14:2714:27
Hungary has announced it could join Slovakia in mounting a legal challenge to the EU’s refugee quota system.Hungary has announced it could join Slovakia in mounting a legal challenge to the EU’s refugee quota system.
The quota system, which was approved despite opposition from Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania and Slovakia, is “seriously flawed” according to the chief of staff of Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban.The quota system, which was approved despite opposition from Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania and Slovakia, is “seriously flawed” according to the chief of staff of Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban.
“The quota proposal is a typical example of moral imperialism which Germany forces upon Europe,” Janos Lazar told a news conference, Reuters reports. He said the government wants to have a debate in parliament on the issue before making a final decision on whether to challenge the EU decision in court.“The quota proposal is a typical example of moral imperialism which Germany forces upon Europe,” Janos Lazar told a news conference, Reuters reports. He said the government wants to have a debate in parliament on the issue before making a final decision on whether to challenge the EU decision in court.
2.17pm BST2.17pm BST
14:1714:17
More than 600 international lawyers have signed an open letter to the EU expressing “horror at the human rights violations being perpetrated against those seeking refuge” and reminding member states of their legal duties to asylum seekers.More than 600 international lawyers have signed an open letter to the EU expressing “horror at the human rights violations being perpetrated against those seeking refuge” and reminding member states of their legal duties to asylum seekers.
It says:It says:
We note that all European states have obligations not only to refugees as defined under the 1951 Convention on the Status of Refugees, but also to those protected against return under international human rights law and customary international law. We note that this broad duty of non-refoulement protects all those at real risk of serious human rights violations if returned. They should be afforded international protection. EU Member States have further obligations under EU law.We note that all European states have obligations not only to refugees as defined under the 1951 Convention on the Status of Refugees, but also to those protected against return under international human rights law and customary international law. We note that this broad duty of non-refoulement protects all those at real risk of serious human rights violations if returned. They should be afforded international protection. EU Member States have further obligations under EU law.
It also calls for the immediate suspension of the so-called Dublin system under which asylum-seekers are returned to their first point of entry.It also calls for the immediate suspension of the so-called Dublin system under which asylum-seekers are returned to their first point of entry.
It urges a new systems which “accords with international human rights law and respects the dignity and autonomy of asylum-seekers, and supports international and intra- European responsibility-sharing.”It urges a new systems which “accords with international human rights law and respects the dignity and autonomy of asylum-seekers, and supports international and intra- European responsibility-sharing.”
European international lawyers call on govts to meet international obligations to protect those who seek refuge http://t.co/eIXcHCYb5YEuropean international lawyers call on govts to meet international obligations to protect those who seek refuge http://t.co/eIXcHCYb5Y
2.01pm BST2.01pm BST
14:0114:01
This morning 2,000 people, were camped out in the open at Croatia’s restricted border with Serbia when it began to rain, according to the aid agency Médecins Sans Frontières.This morning 2,000 people, were camped out in the open at Croatia’s restricted border with Serbia when it began to rain, according to the aid agency Médecins Sans Frontières.
The temperatures dropped overnight and at 6am this morning it started to rain, multiplying the misery exponentially. pic.twitter.com/RgAslsw92BThe temperatures dropped overnight and at 6am this morning it started to rain, multiplying the misery exponentially. pic.twitter.com/RgAslsw92B
1.32pm BST1.32pm BST
13:3213:32
Croatia records 51,000 migrantsCroatia records 51,000 migrants
The number of migrants and asylum seekers crossing into Croatia has topped 50,000 just over a week since Hungary sealed its border with Serbia.The number of migrants and asylum seekers crossing into Croatia has topped 50,000 just over a week since Hungary sealed its border with Serbia.
Croatia’s interior ministry has recorded 51,000 migrants since last Tuesday including 3,500 who arrived overnight in Ilok and Tovarnik area. .Croatia’s interior ministry has recorded 51,000 migrants since last Tuesday including 3,500 who arrived overnight in Ilok and Tovarnik area. .
It said 1,000 people are waiting to be registered at the Opatovac transit camp, where a new system of colour coded bracelets has been introduced to regulate the queue. Those waiting longest will be given priority for transport to Croatia’s border with Hungary, where they are likely to be taken by the Hungarian authorities to the Austrian border.It said 1,000 people are waiting to be registered at the Opatovac transit camp, where a new system of colour coded bracelets has been introduced to regulate the queue. Those waiting longest will be given priority for transport to Croatia’s border with Hungary, where they are likely to be taken by the Hungarian authorities to the Austrian border.
A bracelet system organized in Opatovac camp to make sure that those who arrived 1st, leave for HUN 1st. #refugees pic.twitter.com/pVhsLua66bA bracelet system organized in Opatovac camp to make sure that those who arrived 1st, leave for HUN 1st. #refugees pic.twitter.com/pVhsLua66b
1.20pm BST1.20pm BST
13:2013:20
Here’s a summary of the latest developments.Here’s a summary of the latest developments.
12.53pm BST12.53pm BST
12:5312:53
Austria provides the latest update on Europe’s pass-the-parcel approach to migration, with an admission that it has sent back more than 5,000 migrants to other EU countries. Reuters reports.Austria provides the latest update on Europe’s pass-the-parcel approach to migration, with an admission that it has sent back more than 5,000 migrants to other EU countries. Reuters reports.
Three weeks ago, Austria and Germany temporarily exempted people fleeing the Syrian war from EU rules requiring refugees to request asylum at the point where they enter the bloc. The move angered neighbours such as Hungary, who said it would merely encourage more migrants to come.Three weeks ago, Austria and Germany temporarily exempted people fleeing the Syrian war from EU rules requiring refugees to request asylum at the point where they enter the bloc. The move angered neighbours such as Hungary, who said it would merely encourage more migrants to come.
“If I remember rightly, we have sent more than 5,000 or 5,500 back from Austria, especially to Bulgaria and Romania among others,” Johanna Mikl-Leitner told journalists.“If I remember rightly, we have sent more than 5,000 or 5,500 back from Austria, especially to Bulgaria and Romania among others,” Johanna Mikl-Leitner told journalists.
“For a functioning asylum system, you need an effective return policy, and there’s still a lot of work to do on this, especially with regard to north African countries,” she said.“For a functioning asylum system, you need an effective return policy, and there’s still a lot of work to do on this, especially with regard to north African countries,” she said.
Mikl-Leitner noted that hardly any applications for asylum were made in safe countries such as Croatia or Slovenia, which meant that migrants who passed through them were no longer seeking safety but rather wanted to choose the country with the most attractive economic situation.Mikl-Leitner noted that hardly any applications for asylum were made in safe countries such as Croatia or Slovenia, which meant that migrants who passed through them were no longer seeking safety but rather wanted to choose the country with the most attractive economic situation.
“If refugees come from Slovenia and Croatia to Austria and apply for asylum in Austria ... then we’ll take them back to Croatia and Slovenia.”“If refugees come from Slovenia and Croatia to Austria and apply for asylum in Austria ... then we’ll take them back to Croatia and Slovenia.”
Mikl-Leitner made no mention of Hungary, Austria’s eastern neighbour and fellow EU member whose treatment of refugees Austria’s chancellor has likened to Nazi deportations during the Holocaust.Mikl-Leitner made no mention of Hungary, Austria’s eastern neighbour and fellow EU member whose treatment of refugees Austria’s chancellor has likened to Nazi deportations during the Holocaust.
12.42pm BST12.42pm BST
12:4212:42
Angelique Chrisafis has more on the death of a teenager killer trying to cross the Channel Tunnel into Britain (see earlier).Angelique Chrisafis has more on the death of a teenager killer trying to cross the Channel Tunnel into Britain (see earlier).
Related: Man dies after being hit by train near Channel tunnel entrance
Melissa Flemming, the UN refugee agency’s chief spokeswoman, said he boy’s death was a “consequence of desperation”.Melissa Flemming, the UN refugee agency’s chief spokeswoman, said he boy’s death was a “consequence of desperation”.
Boy killed trying to walk Channel Tunnel from Calais to Britain. Consequence of desperation. http://t.co/Sce9lMk5z1Boy killed trying to walk Channel Tunnel from Calais to Britain. Consequence of desperation. http://t.co/Sce9lMk5z1
12.04pm BST12.04pm BST
12:0412:04
Croatia’s prime minister has hit back at Serbia in the worsening border dispute, accusing Serbia of working in tandem with Budapest to divert refugees through Croatia.Croatia’s prime minister has hit back at Serbia in the worsening border dispute, accusing Serbia of working in tandem with Budapest to divert refugees through Croatia.
In a TV address Croatian Prime Minister Zoran Milanovic also refused to open Croatia’s border with Serbia. “I planned to open the border ... but now I won’t. We have to react to this now,” he said.In a TV address Croatian Prime Minister Zoran Milanovic also refused to open Croatia’s border with Serbia. “I planned to open the border ... but now I won’t. We have to react to this now,” he said.
“Belgrade and Budapest playing in tandem,” he was quoted as saying by Croatia’s state broadcaster HRT.“Belgrade and Budapest playing in tandem,” he was quoted as saying by Croatia’s state broadcaster HRT.
Serbia’s foreign ministry, in a strongly-worded protest note to Croatia, called the latest measures “discriminatory” against Serbian nationals and compared them to the actions of the Nazi puppet regime in Croatia during World War II.Serbia’s foreign ministry, in a strongly-worded protest note to Croatia, called the latest measures “discriminatory” against Serbian nationals and compared them to the actions of the Nazi puppet regime in Croatia during World War II.
Milanovic rejected the charge: “This blockade was not discriminatory, it was not anti-Serb, it was against all trucks.”Milanovic rejected the charge: “This blockade was not discriminatory, it was not anti-Serb, it was against all trucks.”
Meanwhile, thousands of refugees are reported to be waiting to cross Croatia’s border with Serbia at Bapska, according to Human Rights Watch and Save the Children.Meanwhile, thousands of refugees are reported to be waiting to cross Croatia’s border with Serbia at Bapska, according to Human Rights Watch and Save the Children.
Collection point at Bapska, #Croatia border. New arrivals from #Serbia. 1000s more on other side we r told #refugees pic.twitter.com/cF7LkyxnI9Collection point at Bapska, #Croatia border. New arrivals from #Serbia. 1000s more on other side we r told #refugees pic.twitter.com/cF7LkyxnI9
Colleagues reporting #Bapska closed & #refugees diverted back to #Tovarnik-when will this 'pass the parcel' of war weary end? #EUCO #croatiaColleagues reporting #Bapska closed & #refugees diverted back to #Tovarnik-when will this 'pass the parcel' of war weary end? #EUCO #croatia
The UNHCR reported a more than a thousand people waiting at the crossing on Wednesday.The UNHCR reported a more than a thousand people waiting at the crossing on Wednesday.
Over 1,000 people wait for buses at Bapska border crossing between Croatia and Serbia http://t.co/mEmawNxOgL pic.twitter.com/o1CBTPjxp0Over 1,000 people wait for buses at Bapska border crossing between Croatia and Serbia http://t.co/mEmawNxOgL pic.twitter.com/o1CBTPjxp0
11.37am BST11.37am BST
11:3711:37
Serbia’s border dispute with Croatia is getting even nastier.Serbia’s border dispute with Croatia is getting even nastier.
Serbia compared Croatian border restrictions imposed overnight to racial laws enforced by a Nazi puppet state in Croatia during World War Two, Reuters reports.Serbia compared Croatian border restrictions imposed overnight to racial laws enforced by a Nazi puppet state in Croatia during World War Two, Reuters reports.
Croatia has banned Serbian-registered vehicles from entering from Serbia and Serbian citizens were also being turned back from the main border crossing, in an escalating row caused by the flow of migrants across their join border.Croatia has banned Serbian-registered vehicles from entering from Serbia and Serbian citizens were also being turned back from the main border crossing, in an escalating row caused by the flow of migrants across their join border.
“In their discriminatory character, they (the restrictions) can only be compared with measures taken in the past, during the fascist Independent Croatia,” the Serbian foreign ministry said in a statement, referring to the Nazi puppet state proclaimed in Croatia in 1941 and which sided with Berlin.“In their discriminatory character, they (the restrictions) can only be compared with measures taken in the past, during the fascist Independent Croatia,” the Serbian foreign ministry said in a statement, referring to the Nazi puppet state proclaimed in Croatia in 1941 and which sided with Berlin.
Croatian Interior Minister Ranko Ostojic said earlier the ban did not apply to Serbian passport-holders, only Serbian-registered vehicles.Croatian Interior Minister Ranko Ostojic said earlier the ban did not apply to Serbian passport-holders, only Serbian-registered vehicles.
Serbia’s prime minister Aleksandar Vučić claimed European backing for his claim that Croatia’s border restriction were “unacceptable”.Serbia’s prime minister Aleksandar Vučić claimed European backing for his claim that Croatia’s border restriction were “unacceptable”.
The @Europarl_EN delegation commended how #Serbia treats #refugees and concluded that #Croatia's unilateral measures are unacceptableThe @Europarl_EN delegation commended how #Serbia treats #refugees and concluded that #Croatia's unilateral measures are unacceptable
The hostile stance of the Serbia government is being egged on by the Serbian press which has pilloried Croatia prime minister Zoran Milanović.The hostile stance of the Serbia government is being egged on by the Serbian press which has pilloried Croatia prime minister Zoran Milanović.
“Madman leads Croatia to war”, read one headline. Another said: “Croatian Prem is an idiot.’’ While another headline used the phrase “Banda Ustaska” referring to the fascist movement in Croatia during the second world war.“Madman leads Croatia to war”, read one headline. Another said: “Croatian Prem is an idiot.’’ While another headline used the phrase “Banda Ustaska” referring to the fascist movement in Croatia during the second world war.
11.20am BST11.20am BST
11:2011:20
Slovak Interior Minister Robert Kaliňák insists that only 20% of people traveling to Europe are asylum seekers while the rest are economic migrants.Slovak Interior Minister Robert Kaliňák insists that only 20% of people traveling to Europe are asylum seekers while the rest are economic migrants.
In an interview for Vieuws he also dismissed the EU’s quota system for resettling refugees as unworkable.In an interview for Vieuws he also dismissed the EU’s quota system for resettling refugees as unworkable.
10.57am BST10.57am BST
10:5710:57
Almost a third of unaccompanied refugee children in England are being look after by just two local authorities due to a quirk of the rules that may be damaging their prospects, according to an investigation by The Conversation.Almost a third of unaccompanied refugee children in England are being look after by just two local authorities due to a quirk of the rules that may be damaging their prospects, according to an investigation by The Conversation.
Freedom of Information requests revealed that Kent, with 376 and Croydon with 412 between them looked after 28% of all unaccompanied children in England.Freedom of Information requests revealed that Kent, with 376 and Croydon with 412 between them looked after 28% of all unaccompanied children in England.
Joanna Wilding Research Fellow, at the University of Brighton, explains why:Joanna Wilding Research Fellow, at the University of Brighton, explains why:
The reason Kent and Croydon are responsible for so many children is that the Children Act 1989 provides that unaccompanied children must be taken into the care of the local authority where they are first found. While adult asylum-seekers are dispersed across the UK with no choice in where they go, lone children are legally the responsibility of the local council.The reason Kent and Croydon are responsible for so many children is that the Children Act 1989 provides that unaccompanied children must be taken into the care of the local authority where they are first found. While adult asylum-seekers are dispersed across the UK with no choice in where they go, lone children are legally the responsibility of the local council.
It means that as a key entry point for migrants, Dover puts Kent into a position of responsibility, while Croydon’s disproportionate role comes thanks to the fact that it houses the Home Office’s Asylum Screening Unit.It means that as a key entry point for migrants, Dover puts Kent into a position of responsibility, while Croydon’s disproportionate role comes thanks to the fact that it houses the Home Office’s Asylum Screening Unit.
Wilding’s research revealed doubts about whether children’s best interests could be fully implemented in Kent compared to other local authority areas.Wilding’s research revealed doubts about whether children’s best interests could be fully implemented in Kent compared to other local authority areas.
My fieldwork revealed that children aged 16 and 17 had minimal prospects of entering foster care in Kent, while those in Brighton and Hove in East Sussex generally entered foster care regardless of age and remained there until at least the age of 18. A number of children I met did not know who their social worker was in order to ask for help and were relying on charities instead.My fieldwork revealed that children aged 16 and 17 had minimal prospects of entering foster care in Kent, while those in Brighton and Hove in East Sussex generally entered foster care regardless of age and remained there until at least the age of 18. A number of children I met did not know who their social worker was in order to ask for help and were relying on charities instead.
Eritrean children who I interviewed were fasting for the Orthodox Lent, but were unable to go to the nearest Eritrean Orthodox Church (in London) for the important Easter services because they could not obtain travel money. High-quality legal representatives had limited capacity because of the structure of contracts with the Legal Aid Agency.Eritrean children who I interviewed were fasting for the Orthodox Lent, but were unable to go to the nearest Eritrean Orthodox Church (in London) for the important Easter services because they could not obtain travel money. High-quality legal representatives had limited capacity because of the structure of contracts with the Legal Aid Agency.
While experts and children in Brighton and Hove described rapid access to good educational support, children in Kent faced long delays to start education or long journeys into London to reach college. Demand for educational places could not be met in Kent’s schools and colleges but the situation was being exacerbated by deliberate decisions to stop meeting unaccompanied children’s needs.While experts and children in Brighton and Hove described rapid access to good educational support, children in Kent faced long delays to start education or long journeys into London to reach college. Demand for educational places could not be met in Kent’s schools and colleges but the situation was being exacerbated by deliberate decisions to stop meeting unaccompanied children’s needs.