06 Jun Refugee mental health – local updates (May 2026)

The latest regional updates highlight ongoing changes in migration dynamics, the implementation of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, and emerging challenges for refugee protection systems across Southeast Europe. Here are more local details:

Serbia

• The number of refugees accommodated in government reception centres continues to decline. At the end of March, only 277 people were residing in state facilities.
• A discrepancy remains between the number of people reaching destination countries in Europe and the number officially registered in Serbia and other Western Balkan countries, raising concerns about undercounting migration.
• The reduction of migration-related programs and services in Serbia continues, reflecting broader decreases in funding and operational capacities.
• The impact of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum on refugee reception and protection in Serbia remains unclear.
• People accommodated in remote reception centres continue to face challenges in accessing medical assistance and social activities due to the centre’s remote location and the limited presence of service providers.
• Reports of pushbacks from the northern border continue to be documented by people on the move.

Relevant links:

• Official UNHCR accommodation data: https://www.unhcr.org/sites/rs/files/2026-04/MAR%20Stat%20Snapshot.pdf
• Save the Children report on arrivals along the Balkan route: https://resourcecentre.savethechildren.net/document/refugees-and-migrants-at-the-balkans-route-overview-of-the-data-on-arrivals-in-2025
• Save the Children statement on undercounting migration in the Balkans: https://www.savethechildren.net/news/children-disappearing-migration-data-face-increased-danger-balkans-route-save-children

Croatia

• Reception centre occupancy remains relatively stable, with approximately 500 people accommodated in centres.
• Croatia is preparing to implement the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, with new procedures expected to take effect in June. The full scope of changes implemented due to the Pact is not yet known.
• In line with the Pact, a new reception and processing centre is planned in Dugi Dol, near the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina. The centre is expected to process newly arrived asylum seekers from countries with low asylum recognition rates, with accommodation limited to a maximum of 12 weeks while their asylum claims are being processed. Vulnerable groups, including unaccompanied children and people with strong protection claims, are expected to be transferred to other reception facilities, although the assessment process has not yet been clarified.

Relevant links:

• Update on detention and asylum conditions in Croatia: https://asylumineurope.org/reports/country/croatia/detention-asylum-seekers/general/
• Information on the EU Pact implementation in Croatia: https://www.index.hr/vijesti/clanak/sto-novi-eu-pakt-o-migracijama-i-azilu-donosi-hrvatskoj/2793568.aspx

Bulgaria

• Refugee arrivals remain low, reflecting similar trends observed across the region. Political instability has affected coordination between public institutions and civil society organisations working in migration and asylum.
• Changes linked to the implementation of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum have contributed to shorter asylum procedures and increased deportations.
• Free legal counselling previously funded for refugees is no longer available, limiting access to specialised legal assistance in asylum procedures.
• Concerns continue regarding the unequal treatment of refugees based on nationality and ethnicity.

Greece

• Similar to Croatia, uncertainty remains regarding the practical implementation of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum.
• Concerns have been raised about legal risks faced by civil society organisations providing assistance to undocumented migrants.
• Reception centres are experiencing increasing pressure, with conditions in some locations resembling periods of significant overcrowding seen at the beginning of the refugee crisis in 2015.
• Construction of two new reception centres in Crete has begun in response to increased arrivals, although operational timelines have not yet been announced.
• A new national strategy to strengthen the protection of vulnerable groups has been introduced.

Relevant links:

• Draft law on the implementation of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum: https://migration.gov.gr/en/katatethike-sti-voyli-to-schedio-nomoy-efarmogi-toy-symfonoy-gia-ti-metanasteysi-kai-to-asylo-kai-loipes-diataxeis-toy-ypoyrgeioy-metanasteysis-kai-asyloy/
• Information on international protection status reviews and voluntary returns: https://migration.gov.gr/1-203-anakliseis-kathestoton-diethnoys-prostasias-politon-apo-ti-syria-protia-tis-elladas-me-50-ton-etheloysion-epistrofon-poy-ginontai-apo-tin-ee-pros-ti-syria/ · Comments on the draft legal migration bill: https://www.solidaritynow.org/en/comments-draft-bill-on-legal-migration/