Minister Nuhodžić in Sarajevo: Western Balkan countries' joint action is most effective response to migration challenges

Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina (7 June 2018) -- Countries of the region should step up their activities and take additional measures in order to systematically register migrants illegally crossing the borders of countries, the Western Balkan interior ministers' meeting, also attended by ministers of several EU countries, concluded in Sarajevo earlier today.

Minister of the Interior of Montenegro Mevludin Nuhodžić said that by undertaking timely action and synchronised activities, and fostering good neighbourly relations in the Balkans, as well as with the support of EU member states, security in the region can be improved, thus reducing the danger of various forms of organised crime, primarily referring to smuggling of migrants and human trafficking.

Registration of migrants, return of illegal migrants, quality information exchange and the implementation of the normative framework defining foreigners' issues and their international protection are important migratory policy mechanisms, and Montenegro, in Minister Nuhodžić’s words, has already taken important steps towards advancing this area and providing an effective response to current challenges. In terms of improving the current situation, he described as encouraging the intention of European agencies, primarily Fronteks, to ensure, through the signing of status agreements, the presence of their capacities in the territories of the Western Balkan countries.

Considering the issue at regional and international levels, the Interior Minister noted that there is room for improvements in terms of strengthening the model for cooperation with the countries of origin of migrants, through the signing of the readmission agreement, stressing that when it comes to advancing the accommodation and material and technical conditions for high-quality management of borders and migration, additional funds from EU pre-accession funds will be needed.

MINISTRY OF THE INTERIOR OF MONTENEGRO