Numbers are increasing: Escape via the Western Balkans causes EU concern - action plan should help

Created: 05.12.2022, 13:15

The Vice-President of the EU Commission, Margaritis Schinas, during a speech in Brussels.

© KENZO TRIBOUILLARD/AFP

The EU Commission wants to stem illegal migration across the Western Balkans.

With a 20-point plan, the number of arrivals should be significantly reduced.

Brussels - The European Commission wants to take action against illegal migration via the Western Balkans with an action plan.

This was announced by EU Commission Vice President Margaritis Schinas on Monday.

"Our goal is to reduce the numbers through these coordinated measures," the Greek explained the project.

Significantly more people had recently come to the EU via Serbia, Albania and the other Western Balkan countries.

According to the EU border protection agency Frontex, 22,300 illegal border crossings were counted in October alone - almost three times as many as in the same period last year.

EU Commission wants to stem illegal migration across the Western Balkans

Among other things, the new action plan provides for increased border controls along the Western Balkans route, also with the help of the EU border protection force Frontex.

In addition, returns of rejected asylum seekers are to be accelerated and at the same time the asylum system of the Balkan states is to be strengthened.

"Anyone arriving irregularly must be registered, otherwise our system will not work properly," said EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson.

Johansson stressed that controls must be "reinforced along the entire migration route".

The EU has already concluded agreements for joint missions with Frontex in the region with Albania, Montenegro, Serbia and North Macedonia.

According to Brussels, around 500 Frontex employees work in the Western Balkans, and more are planned.

In addition, the Commission is pushing for tougher action against people smugglers and faster deportations.

Migration: EU keeps pressure on Balkan countries

Applications are to be processed more quickly in the future and the possibilities for accommodating those seeking protection are to be improved.

With the help of the EU police authority Europol, the fight against the smuggling of migrants across national borders is to be stepped up.

The EU also keeps up the pressure on the Balkan countries to align their visa policies with those of the European Union.

Most recently, Serbia had already lifted the visa exemption for travelers from Tunisia and Burundi.

According to the EU Commission, other states should follow.

This should also be an issue at the EU-Western Balkans summit planned for this Tuesday in the Albanian capital of Tirana.