European Commission – Schinas: Migration is a common challenge that we must face together

H European Commission presented an EU action plan for the Western Balkans ahead of the EU-Western Balkans Summit on 6 December 2022 and the Justice and Home Affairs Council on December 8.

The Action Plan for the Western Balkans identifies 20 business measures which are structured in 5 pillars:

1) strengthening border management along the routes,

2) rapid asylum procedures and supporting reception capacity;

3) combating migrant trafficking,

4) strengthening cooperation on readmission and returns as well

5) achieving visa policy alignment.

The measures focus on supporting or actions of Western Balkan partners and action in the EU, while aiming to strengthen cooperation on immigration and border management with partners in Western Balkans in light of their unique position with the prospect of joining the EU and their continuous efforts to align with EU rules, reports the Athens and Macedonian News Agency.

“Arrivals along the Western Balkans route have tripled compared to last year. I visited four Western Balkan countries in October to work with our partners and we are committed to maintaining this momentum with a series ofout of 20 direct operational measures to deal with migratory pressure. Migration is a common challenge and something that we must face together, without leaving any of our Member States and Western Balkan partners alone with the challenges they face”, emphasizes the Vice-President of the Commission Margaritis Schinas.

For her part, Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson noted that “for some time now we have been focusing on the Western Balkans route. At the Home Affairs meeting on 13 October, Ministers agreed on a common approach. This was further elaborated in the Prague and Berlin processes. Sta Tirana in early November, with our Western Balkan partners, we made progress on aligning visas and combating migrant trafficking. But challenges remain. With this Action Plan we now build on our good partnership and provide a way forward to continue to work closely together.”

Pillar One: Strengthening border management along the routes

Strengthening border management along the migration route is essential to reduce irregular flows, also in the light of the evolving modus operandi of traffickers, increased use of violence and the dangers of firearms trafficking and organized crime. The EU has already concluded agreements with Albania, Montenegro, Serbia and North Macedonia, allowing Frontex to deploy the standing corps of the European Border and Coast Guard in joint operations in the region. Frontex joint operations and deployments will be strengthened and negotiations for new status agreements will be fast-tracked. At the same time Frontex support to Member States at the EU’s external borders will be reviewed and possibly increased.

Pillar Two: Ensuring a fast-track asylum process and supporting reception capacity

The EU remains committed to strengthening the asylum capacity of Western Balkan partners and supports reception across the region through an ongoing program of Pre-Accession Assistance Mechanism throughout the region. Continued support to Western Balkan partners includes further strengthening their asylum and registration procedures, as well as ensuring appropriate reception conditions. The EU will mainly continue to work with Western Balkan partners to develop emergency planning and ensure preparedness for the winter season.