English

Is Montenegro braced for a large wave of migrants?

Napetost na tursko - grčkoj granici

After Turkey opened its border with Greece, thousands of migrants are trying to reach the EU. The EU is trying to address the problem, but tensions are constantly growing. And while Europe is on the alert, Montenegro’s competent authorities say that Montenegro is not in danger.

So, what is the situation like? Should Montenegro expect greater inflow of migrants?

Mr Zoran Vujičić, coordinator of the human rights and justice program in Civic Alliance, says that this issue is very complex and that migrant routes are constantly changing.

“What we see right now is that Greece and Bulgaria refuse to let migrants on their territory, which does not necessarily mean they won’t do that. Inflow to Montenegro is not bigger but even if that happens it will be for a short while”, Mr Vujičić says.

Asked to comment on the current situation at Turkish-Greek border, Mr Vujičić says:

“Turkey has accepted a certain number of migrants to Europe to inflict some pressure on the EU due to unsettled issues they have. However, there’s great risk that this might escalate and the migrants are the ones who would pay through the nose”, Mr Vujičić concludes.

Photo: EC

The country is prepared

President of the Young liberals in Montenegro, Mr Amar Borančić, gave his view on the whole migrant situation. He says that migrants are being used for political ends.

“Migrant crisis today is nothing like the one in 2015 or 2016. Several thousand migrants can’t provoke a serious geo-political problem. Unfortunately, those people are used for political ends. Erdogan’s regime in Ankara is blackmailing Europe by “sudden” inflow of migrants on the EU borders”, Mr Borančić says.

According to him, the moment the Middle East situation is stabilized and reconciliation is reached, new migrant crisis will be just an illusion.

“It is important to be rational as much as possible. Europe has never been under threat from migrant crisis which would endanger its demographic movements or cause demographic stresses and changes”, Mr Borančić stresses.

He has no dilemma – Montenegro is definitely ready to respond to inflows.

“Montenegro will not be e key route for migrants, and, therefore, I firmly believe there’s no fear. No need to panic”, Mr Borančić concludes.

Head of the European Commission, Mrs Ursula Von der Leyen, visited yesterday the land part of the border between Greece and Turkey.

“Today, I am standing here as European. We came here to send a clear message of European solidarity and support”, Mrs von der Leyen pointed out.

She said she was fully committed to providing any kind of operational support for the authorities.

The shield of Europe

Mrs Von der Leyen called Greece “the shield of Europe” and promised €700 million of assistance.

Numerous European leaders attacked Turkish president due to the migrant situation.

Greek Prime Minister said that he wouldn’t allow to be blackmailed and added that the problem was not the problem of refugees anymore.

Erdoğan accuses

There are currently around 3,7 million refugees from Syria in Turkey, as well as migrants from other countries.

Mr Erdoğan has accused the EU of failing to provide any help for the refugees and their reception in the safety zones in Syria.

 

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