Tirana, 14 September 2023 – IOM discussed solution-oriented approaches to migration, mobility and security in the Western Balkans, at the Home Affairs Ministerial hosted by the Ministry of Interior of Albania. 

The Ministers of Internal Affairs of the Berlin Process met in Tirana to discuss concrete ways to enhance their cooperation and support the implementation of the Home Affairs Agenda in Western Balkans within the framework of the Berlin Process. The discussion focused on:  

• Integrated Border Management in the Western Balkans
• Regional Cooperation in the fight against organized crime
• Partnership on Cybersecurity in the Western Balkans

IOM was represented by the Sub-regional Coordinator for Western Balkans, Laura Lungarotti who addressed complex challenges related to mixed migration flows in the Western Balkans and highlighted the importance of regional cooperation to achieve progress in the fight against migrant smuggling and human trafficking. She also stressed the need to shape a more positive and forward-looking dialogue on migration, as a phenomenal driver of growth and innovation.  

"As the region progressively shifts its focus from crisis response to comprehensive, sustainable and solutions-oriented approaches, a reflection on regular pathways and the use of migration policies will become crucial to ensure that the region is prepared to harness the potential of migration" - Laura Lungarotti. 

In this Meeting, Ministers agreed to a stronger focus on integrated border management including strategy development and further coordination initiatives among Western Balkan Countries while asking for stronger EU support on capacity building, digitalization and border security and migration addressing.