The European Commission and the Dutch EU presidency issued a joint statement reassuring about their determination to pursue a “European approach” to the refugee crisis.
“We understand the pressure the different countries concerned are facing. We are concerned about the developments along the Balkan route and the humanitarian crisis that might unfold in certain countries especially in Greece,” the statement by Dutch Minister for Migration Klaas Dijkhoff and European Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship, Dimitris Avramopoulos, mentions.
The Dutch Presidency of the Council and the Commission are in continuous contact with all relevant actors and countries along the Western Balkans and are closely following the developments in the region and on the ground at the border crossings, they said, adding however, that all countries involved have a responsibility and obligation to respect the European rules and put an end to the ‘wave through’ approach.
Contingency planning effort
“While doing so, Governments should take into account the effects in neighbouring countries,” the two officials added, while prompting all countries and actors along the route to “prepare the necessary contingency planning to be able to address humanitarian needs, including reception capacities”. In parallel, they said, the Commission is coordinating a contingency planning effort, to offer support in case of a humanitarian crisis both outside and within the EU, as well as to further coordinate border management.
“All Member States should act in a joint spirit of solidarity and responsibility, especially in times when unity and common solutions are needed,” the statement concludes, noting that the Commission and the Presidency, as well as the EU as a whole stand ready to assist.
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