31 Jan Refugee mental healths – local updates (January 2026)

During the January meeting, CoReMH members collected new, relevant information on refugee mental health protection in the European transit context. Here are the most important local updates:

Serbia

• The number of refugees accommodated in state facilities continues to decline, with only 263 persons recorded at the end of December. Based on various reports and measures, there appears to be a discrepancy between the number of people arriving at European entry points and those registered in Western Balkan transit countries, suggesting more illegal and undocumented transits despite limited accommodation capacity.
• Fewer organisations are active, and several international organisations are reducing staff levels, highlighting the funding crisis in the field of migration.
• The implications of the EU Pact on Migration for Serbia and other neighbouring countries remain unclear.
• Useful links: 
  • https://www.unhcr.org/rs/en/media/dec-stat-snapshot
  • https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5e3766f903c72c513a16796c/t/69395e793d30836806b85328/1765367417278/III+kvartalni+izve%C5%A1taj+2025_EN.pdf

Bulgaria

• Refugee movements through the country appear largely stagnant, with very few new arrivals reported. It seems that some attempts at irregular transit continue, primarily involving unaccompanied minors.
• Border control activities, including those involving FRONTEX, have intensified.
• A leadership change in the State Agency for Refugees signals a shift toward more security-oriented approaches. Economic pressures related to the introduction of the Euro in Bulgaria seem to have contributed to rising anti-migrant sentiment in the country.

Croatia

• Refugee arrivals continue but remain significantly lower compared to previous years. 
• Access to health and psychological services is limited in one reception centre due to the irregular availability of service providers. Severe acute health risks have been observed among people on the move transiting during winter, including frostbite.

Greece

• Migration routes seem to be shifting, with fewer arrivals via Türkiye and more arrivals to Crete from African countries such as Libya, Egypt, and Sudan. Limited reception capacity in Crete leads to delays in transfers to mainland accommodation centres.
• Recent legal changes restrict pathways to residency for long-term undocumented migrants and increase the risk of prosecution or forced return. Barriers to accessing asylum procedures and accommodation centers remain a challenge.
• Ongoing integration and protection programs in the country include Helios+, COMPASS-Pyxida, and Helios Junior.
• Useful links:
  • https://greece.iom.int/helios   
  • https://migration.gov.gr/en/migration-policy/integration/draseis-koinonikis-entaxis-se-ethniko-epipedo/programma-helios/ 
  • https://www.solidaritynow.org/en/pyxida/ 
  • https://www.solidaritynow.org/en/helios-junior/ 
  • https://www.solidaritynow.org/en/heliosplus-project/