EU Commission Proposes Action Plan to Address Migration Challenges in Western Balkans
According to the EU Commission, the Action Plan on the Western Balkans determines a total of 20 operational measures that are structured along the following five pillars:
- Strengthening border management along the Western Balkan route
- Prompt asylum procedures and support reception capacity
- Fighting migrant smuggling
- Strengthening readmission cooperation and return between countries
- Achieving alignment on visa policy
The above-mentioned measures are focused on support to Western Balkan partners, and they are aimed at strengthening the migration and border management cooperation in view of their status with the perspective on EU accession and efforts to align with the rules of the EU, AtoZSerwisPlus.pl reports.
The Commission points out that is essential to reinforce border management along the whole Western Balkan migration route in order to reduce the irregular flows as well as the risks of trafficking and organised crime.
Agreements with Albania, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Montenegro have already been concluded, permitting Frontex to deploy standing corps to operations in the region.
In addition to the above-mentioned, it has been highlighted that the EU remains committed to strengthening Western Balkans partners’ asylum and registration procedures and ensuring sufficient reception conditions.
Regarding pillar three, the Commission said it is committed to continuing reinforcing actions along the whole Western Balkans route. In addition, the same said that it is necessary to establish a Europol operational task.
The Commission also said that it will also support partners from the Western Balkans to step up readmission cooperation and returns as well as achieve the alignment of visa policy.
“In Tirana at the start of November, with Western Balkan partners, we made progress on visa alignment and the fighting against migrant smuggling. But challenges remain. With this Action Plan, we are now building on our good cooperation and we provide a path forward for continuing to work closely together,” Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson, stressed.
Vice-President for Promoting our European Way of Life, Margaritis Schinas, also commented on the Action Plan for cooperation with Western Balkans. Schinas said despite making progress in the fight against migrant smuggling and visa alignment, challenges remain. At the same time, Schinas pointed out that with this new plan the countries and the EU will be able to continue working closely together.
