EMN Belgium attends the conference of EMN Montenegro to discuss migratory challenges on the Western Balkans Route
The Western Balkans are at the heart of the European continent, surrounded by EU Member States. The migration situation in the region remains complex and challenges the institutional capacities of the Western Balkans, particularly in relation to border management, migrant smuggling and trafficking in human beings.
On 5 December 2022, the European Commission proposed a new Action Plan for the Western Balkans, which identified 20 specific measures aiming to build on the progress achieved, strengthening the partnership with the Western Balkans in light of their unique status from the perspective of EU accession and their continued efforts to align with the EU acquis, as well as identifying key actions to take inside the EU.
In this context, EMN Montenegro in partnership with the Podgorica Chairmanship in Office of the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP), organised a conference with a view to discussing how to tackle common challenges on the Western Balkans migratory route and future actions both at a regional and national level.
The conference was divided into three panels:
- The 1st panel focused on addressing the smuggling of migrants and the trafficking in human beings. One of the key conclusions of this panel is that law enforcement cooperation between Balkan countries, EU Member States and Europol is key in tackling this issue. The importance of preparedness and early warning was also stated.
- The 2nd panel focused on the readmission and return policy of Western Balkan countries to the countries of origin. Several panelists pointed out that the Western Balkan countries often don’t have readmission agreements with the countries of origin. Identification of irregularly staying migrants is hampered because of the absence of diplomatic posts in several countries of origin. When Montenegro will join the EU, the EU readmission agreements will become valid for Montenegro as well.
- The final panel looked into the temporary protection that was granted to Ukrainian displaced persons in EU Member States and in Montenegro. That EU and non-EU countries provide protection to 3,7 million people from Ukraine is considered by several speakers an achievement. The need for additional harmonization of systems across the regions was expressed repeatedly.
For further information about this event, please contact ivana.kotlaja@mup.gov.me.