Montenegro hosts EU-Western Balkan justice and home affairs forum

Budva, Montenegro (20 December 2013) – EU-Western Balkan Ministerial Forum, sponsored by Montenegro’s justice and interior ministries, in cooperation with Lithuanian presidency of the Council of the EU, takes place in Budva on 19 -20 December 2013. The Forum is dedicated to regional cooperation among the Western Balkan’s countries in the field of justice and home affairs in the context of the EU integration process.

Interior ministers from the region discussed topics related to post-visa liberalisation monitoring mechanisms and visa liberalisation dialogue, fight against terrorism, security, illegal migration across the Western Balkan and strengthening cooperation in combating trafficking in narcotics.

Justice ministers of the Western Balkan countries addressed in Budva issues cncerning fight against corruption, judicial reform and challenges in this area, judicial cooperation in criminal and civil matters, as well as social inclusion and rights of the Roma population.

Interior ministers of Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro signed today a protocol on the establishment of the centre for law enforcement cooperation.

The Forum participants will also sign a joint declaration on the promotion of cooperation in combating drug trafficking.