Macedonian PM calls for W Balkan-EU cooperation on migration crisis

Macedonian Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski called for more intensive cooperation between the West Balkans and the European Union in combating the migration crisis, while speaking with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban here on Friday.

Addressing a news conference after the meeting, Gruevski said Macedonia was doing everything in its power to minimize the dangers inherent in the current situation but needed help. His country was counting on Hungary's experience, primarily in exchanging information, he added.

Gruevski said that Macedonia had been demanding documentation before admitting refugees and hoped this would help alter the overall regional migration pattern.

But, with its total population of 2 million, Macedonia simply cannot cope with having 10,000 people a day coming into the country seeking help, he said. Acknowledging that the flow of refugees was not likely to slow down, Gruevski said he was counting on Hungary's help in the hard times to come.

On his part, Orban reiterated his view that the EU charter had to be revamped so that it could protect its borders, culture, economic interests, and democracy.

Hungary is vehemently opposed to the EU's current immigration policy, which, he said, must be changed because this uncontrolled and unregulated migration was costing lives and putting the citizens of Europe in direct danger.

Orban said Hungary supported Macedonia in its bid to join the European Union and NATO. Strategically, Hungary's interests dictate that every single country between it and Greece should be a member of the EU and NATO. Enditem