UK to drive international cooperation on irregular migration as host of Western Balkans Summit
The UK will host a major international summit on irregular migration in the Western Balkans on 7 February 2025, bringing together leaders from across the region and other key partners.
The summit will be co-hosted by the UK and the Prime Minister of Albania, Edi Rama, and will focus on practical ways to improve cooperation on tackling irregular migration, including addressing the root causes.
The UK is the largest donor to the Western Balkans, and has been working with the region to support economic development, stability and security. The summit will build on this work and provide a platform for further cooperation on irregular migration.
The summit will bring together leaders from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Turkey, Hungary, Austria, Germany and Italy. It will also be attended by representatives from the European Commission, the United Nations and other international organisations.
The summit will focus on three main areas:
- Addressing the root causes of irregular migration: including poverty, lack of opportunity and political instability.
- Strengthening cooperation on border management: including improving information sharing and joint patrols.
- Supporting sustainable return and reintegration: including providing assistance to those who are returned to their home countries.
The UK is committed to working with the Western Balkans to address the challenges of irregular migration and to create a more stable and prosperous region. The summit will be an important opportunity to build on the progress that has been made and to agree on further action.
Quotes
- Home Secretary Priti Patel said:
“The UK is committed to working with our partners in the Western Balkans to tackle the root causes of irregular migration and to create a more stable and prosperous region. This summit will be an important opportunity to build on the progress that has been made and to agree on further action.”
- Prime Minister of Albania Edi Rama said:
“We are grateful to the UK for hosting this important summit. Irregular migration is a challenge that affects us all, and we need to work together to find solutions. This summit will provide a unique opportunity to do that.”
Notes to editors
- The Western Balkans is a region of Southeast Europe that includes Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, and Turkey.
- Irregular migration is the movement of people across borders without the necessary documentation or permission.
- The UK is the largest donor to the Western Balkans, providing over £300 million in aid in 2020/21.
- The UK has been working with the Western Balkans to support economic development, stability and security. This includes providing support for border management, tackling organised crime and promoting human rights.
UK to drive international cooperation on irregular migration as host of Western Balkans Summit
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