Preparedness and response to migrant crisis as an indicator of “Balkan route” states resilience

Abstract

Zenith of the migrant crisis, arising as a result of the war in Syria and political turmoil in some Asian and African countries, took place in 2015 testing the readiness and diplomatic relations of countries in the so-called "Balkan route" - the shortest transit corridor to migrants shelters in the EU. In terms of the migrant crisis, each country responded to the new circumstances in accordance with available capacities and interests. Preparedness and response to migrant crisis reflected the degree of Balkan states national security resilience, their ability to respond adequately to the changed circumstances in the security environment, and to return to the normal state of functioning in the shortest time without compromising vital functions of the system. The sudden influx of migrants within a short period of time created the need for flexible and pragmatic responses of "Balkan route" states with the aim of prompt transit of migrants to final destinations in the EU. Subsequent unilateral actions of individual countries and the establishment of an agreement between Turkey and the EU have led to the closure of the "Balkan route" and generated progressive growth of migrants smuggling as well as using of alternative transit axes.

Keywords

• migrant crisis
• “balkan route”
• preparedness
• response
• resilience