Serbia/ Macedonia: Penalizing Asylum Seekers | European Journal

The European Union has long been pressuring Balkan countries to do something to stem the influx of immigrants from the region. Now Serbia and Macedonia are planning drastic measures. Since the EU lifted visa restrictions on citizens of Serbia and Macedonia, many have been making their way to EU countries, and an increasing number have been applying for asylum. The EU has called upon Serbia and Macedonia to get the situation under control. Now the two countries are resorting to drastic measures: they want to penalize illegal immigration and abuse of asylum by their citizens. Their border police are to be allowed to confiscate passports and vehicles and impose a ban on entering the EU.