RFE: Serbia builds wire fence on border with North Macedonia

Shqiprim Arifi, the head of Presevo municipality, told RFE that the construction of the wire fence was a part of an agreement with the European Union.

"We think that the fence is an additional protection of the boundaries with the non-EU countries from an influx of refugees who might again come en masse through the Balkan route," Arifi said.

He added adding the fence "indirectly contributes the European integrations, but that he had some doubts about such treatment of the refugees."

RFE said the European Commission (EC) failed to answer its question whether they knew or were consulted about the fence between Serbia and North Macedonia. It also did not get an answer from Serbia's Interior Ministry (MUP).

On June 20, 4,800 migrants were registered in 18 asylum centres and reception facilities, according to official data.