Western Balkan - Regional Overview
• Currently Greece, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Serbia are transit countries for migrants and refugees trying to re-enter the Schengen area in Hungary.
• Due to the construction of the fence in the Hungarian southern border with Serbia, migrants/refugees may seek alternative routes: for example from Albania to Italy or through Croatia to the Schengen area.
ECHO involvement
• ECHO is releasing €1.5 million in humanitarian funding to assist refugees and migrants in Serbia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. The aid will support humanitarian partners in helping with the provision of basic emergency services (water, hygiene, health care, winterization and basic protection).
• ECHO has granted over €90,000 in EU humanitarian assistance to the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (on 31/07) and €150,000 to Serbia (on 20/08). The funding went directly to the International Federation of the Red Cross/Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the actions will be implemented by the national Red Cross Societies of the two countries.
