The vast majority of migrants seek to reach Germany through the Western Balkan route, straining Hungary’s capacities. Over a quarter-million people are estimated to have crossed Hungary’s southern borders this year.
"The European Union has proven its zero ability to protect its outer borders," Zeman said at a press conference, as quoted by the Czech News Agency, after a two-day Visegrad (V4) summit.
The V4 format, which includes Hungary, Poland and Slovakia in addition to the Czech Republic, met in the Hungarian resort town of Balatonfured on Thursday to address the European refugee crisis. Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic, representing another European country that saw an unprecedented number of people cross its borders, joined the summit.
"EU border protection must be strengthened. We must introduce an [efficient] control of entry to the EU," Hungarian President Janos Ader stressed.
Croatia’s Grabar-Kitarovic underscored the need for Brussels to show solidarity with non-EU members, including Macedonia and Serbia, and "not slow down the process of EU enlargement."
The European Commission approved a $19.1-million assistance package for Macedonia and Serbia to cope with the migratory flow on Thursday.
