Balkan route activated, Croatia unprepared for new refugee wave

A year ago, the refugee wave reached Croatia, and after failed negotiations between the European Union and Turkey, the same scenario could soon follow, reports the Patria News Agency.  

Former Minister of the Interior Ranko Ostojić told Index that the Balkan route has already been activated and that a refugee wave could reach Croatia again very soon. Ostojić warned of the country's unpreparedness, especially if Croatia is not just a transit route.

"Croatia is in no way prepared for this new wave of refugees because transit of refugees to Slovenia is not allowed. By itself, Croatia risks becoming a hotspot," Ostojić said.

"Refugees are coming from EU countries that do not detain them, and Croatia should be."

When asked what Croatia should do, he said that it must urgently seek a coordinated and effective reaction from the EU.

"I don't know what agreements or arrangements they have made with their neighbors. An urgent, coordinated, and effective EU reaction is needed. Towards Turkey, Macedonia, and Serbia, but also Bulgaria. Refugees are coming from EU countries that do not detain them, and Croatia should detain them," Ostojić told Index.