A migrant camp near the Serbia-Hungary border has been cleared, according to reports, easing the growing migration pressure on both countries. For years, the abandoned Kárász farm near Horgos, Serbia, served as a gathering spot for hundreds of migrants, mostly from the Middle East and Africa. However, with increased cooperation between Serbian and Hungarian authorities, the camp has been emptied, and the migrants were relocated to official camps elsewhere in Serbia.
Serbian law enforcement agents began regular visits to the farm about a year ago, relocating migrants to camps in Kikinda and Preševo, both cities near the Romanian and North Macedonian borders. This joint effort between Serbian and Hungarian authorities has helped reduce illegal crossings into Hungary, which had seen a significant influx of migrants. Locals in Horgos have noted that there has been a noticeable decrease in crime since the camp was cleared, especially after a particularly violent incident in 2023 involving human smugglers.
Martha, a resident, shared that the Serbian police would frequently arrive in the town to transport migrants, but that practice has now stopped as the camp is empty. Another resident, László, recalled how tensions rose during the migrant occupation, particularly when a shooting occurred in October 2023 between migrants and human traffickers. The clearing of the camp has brought relief to the area, and the abandoned farm now stands empty and overgrown.
Hungary and Serbia have been working closely together on border protection in recent years, with agreements in place to manage the movement of migrants more effectively. In 2023, both countries’ border patrol agencies agreed on new measures, including avoiding migrant transfers during night hours when fewer patrol officers are on duty. This has improved the safety of the region and further reduced illegal crossings.
Earlier in 2023, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán attended a migration summit in Austria, along with other European leaders. The summit focused on addressing the broader migration crisis affecting Europe, and discussions led to strengthened cooperation between countries to manage migrant flows more effectively.
The success at the Serbia-Hungary border is a key example of how joint efforts can help control illegal migration, ensuring safety and order at European borders. While the camp clearing is a positive step, it also highlights the ongoing challenges that Europe faces in handling migration humanely and securely. Moving forward, continued cooperation between neighboring countries will be essential in managing future migration flows.