Tirana, 14 May 2024 - The Western Balkans Ministerial Conference “Cooperation on Security and Migration Flows through the WB” was hosted by the Ministry of Interior of Albania in Tirana, aiming at strengthening regional cooperation to jointly address security challenges and provide balanced and solutions-oriented approaches.

The Conference which brought together 19 delegations from the Western Balkans, the UK, and EU countries, was facilitated by IOM Albania through the support of the UK Government. 

Represented by the Senior Sub Regional Programme Coordinator Ms. Donatella Bradic, IOM highlighted the importance of sustainable solutions in migration governance. Furthermore, IOM took the lead in moderating a technical session to assess the effectiveness of the current responses to cross-border security systems, highlighting the interoperability of border management systems including digital solutions and the use of API/PNR systems in the WB.

In his welcoming speech, the Minister of the Interior of the Republic of Albania, Mr. Taulant Balla described the ministerial conference as not only a step forward towards solutions to common challenges in the region but also a forum that reflects the commitment and will of each of the delegations for an even more fruitful cooperation.

"Looking at what has been achieved so far in the management of migratory flows, border security, and respect for the rights and freedoms of migrants, I can proudly say that all our countries have today acquired a good level of professionalism and have started to approach put into practice the European standards with the support of our partners and of course also through regional cooperation", stated the Minister. 

After the conference, Ministers of Interior from the Western Balkans and Heads of Delegations issued a joint statement regarding the “Cooperation on Security and Migration Flows through the Western Balkans”, agreeing that:

• One of the key intervention points is to manage the threat of irregular migration flows therefore increased joint activity on Integrated Border Management (IBM) remains a priority. 
• Cooperation on information and data sharing, to ensure all relevant channels are open, will increase each state’s knowledge of individuals attempting to cross between borders. 
• Knowledge exchange of border management processes to reduce opportunities for individuals to exploit variances between partners, including the mutually beneficial sharing of technology and databases to ensure law enforcement agencies have the necessary means to tackle immigration crime and irregular migration.