The implementation of a regional project with the aim of reducing irregular migrations to the European Union has begun in the Western Balkans region

At the beginning of March 2021, Hilfswerk International, together with its project partner Association for Help and Development „HAJDE“, has begun the implementation of the regional project „Reducing irregular migration to the EU by strengthening the capacity of migration-related structures in the Western Balkans“. The primary goal of the project is to ensure an adequate contribution to better and more efficient cooperation in the countries of the Western Balkans, with the common purpose oriented towards reducing irregular migrations to the European Union. In the coming 12-month period, activities that will strengthen the framework of existing migration-related structures in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, North Macedonia, and Montenegro will be conducted through the realisation of a regional plan to build capacities that support the improvement of regional cooperation, mutual networking, and adequate coordination. The project is co-financed by the EU Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) and the Federal Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Austria (BMI).

Regional institutions competent for monitoring and control of migrations will have an opportunity to improve mutual cooperation, share experiences, and learn new skills through coordination meetings and thematic conferences, which will lead to the development of a regional strategy that will deal with the control of irregular migration. Members of security and border structures in the project countries, who are extremely important for the whole process, will also be included through specialised trainings and workshops oriented towards the promotion of communication and efficient methods to control migration, with the purpose of exchanging best practices and experiences.

In the preparatory phase of the project, Hilfswerk International has established contact with migration-related structures in Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, and Montenegro. Readiness to participate and cooperate on the successful implementation of planned activities was expressed.