The study comes at a time when migration through the Western Balkans has once again become a major concern for European policymakers. A sharp increase in irregular crossings between 2021 and 2022 prompted the European Union to prioritize cooperation with countries in the region to control migration routes, prevent human smuggling, and protect migrants.
According to the researchers, the Western Balkans has become a crucial transit corridor for migrants traveling from the Middle East, Asia, and Africa toward European Union member states. As migration pressures intensify, the EU has introduced a coordinated policy framework aimed at improving border control and strengthening cooperation with partner countries.
The Western Balkans as a Strategic Migration Corridor
The Western Balkans region includes several countries such as Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Kosovo, Serbia, and Montenegro. Over the past decade, this area has become one of the most important migration pathways for people attempting to reach the European Union.
Migrants traveling through the region often come from countries affected by war, political instability, or economic hardship. Many are seeking international protection as refugees, while others are looking for employment opportunities in Europe.
However, the journey through the Western Balkans is often dangerous. Migrants frequently face security threats, exploitation by human smuggling networks, and limited access to basic services such as healthcare and shelter.
International organizations, governments, and local non-governmental organizations have been working to provide humanitarian assistance to migrants in the region. These efforts include delivering food and medical services, as well as supporting asylum applications and social integration processes in destination countries.
Despite these initiatives, the migration situation in the Western Balkans remains complex and constantly evolving. Coordinated international policy responses are therefore essential.
Rising Migration Pressures Trigger EU Action
The study by Husnurrahman and Tairas notes that migration pressure along the Western Balkan route significantly increased during the 2021–2022 period.
Data from Frontex, the European Union’s border and coast guard agency, recorded nearly 130,000 attempted irregular border crossings along the Western Balkan route in 2022. This figure represents three times the number recorded during the same period in 2021.
Several factors contributed to the increase, including:
- Differences between visa policies in Western Balkan countries and those of the European Union
- Economic pressures affecting migrant origin countries
- Ongoing armed conflicts and political instability
- The activities of organized migrant smuggling networks
The surge in migration attempts prompted the European Union to introduce a new policy framework designed to address these challenges more effectively.
The EU Action Plan for the Western Balkans
In response to the rising migration pressures, the European Commission introduced the Action Plan for the Western Balkans on December 5, 2022. The plan was presented ahead of the EU–Western Balkans Summit in Tirana and followed a ministerial meeting on justice and home affairs between EU and Western Balkan governments.
The research highlights that the action plan focuses on strengthening cooperation between the European Union and Western Balkan countries to better manage migration flows and improve regional security.
The policy framework outlines five key priorities, supported by around 20 operational measures.
Five Strategic Priorities
The EU Action Plan focuses on several strategic areas aimed at addressing irregular migration while improving regional coordination.
Strengthening Border Management
The European Union aims to enhance border surveillance and cooperation with Western Balkan states to prevent irregular crossings and improve border security.
Accelerating Asylum Procedures
The plan seeks to improve the efficiency of asylum systems, enabling faster processing of asylum applications and better accommodation capacity for asylum seekers.
Combating Migrant Smuggling
Authorities are increasing efforts to dismantle criminal networks that profit from the illegal transportation of migrants across borders.
Enhancing Readmission Cooperation
The EU is strengthening agreements with partner countries to facilitate the return of migrants who do not qualify for international protection.
Aligning Visa Policies
Western Balkan countries are encouraged to harmonize their visa policies with those of the European Union in order to reduce loopholes that may encourage irregular migration.
According to Husnurrahman and Tairas, these priorities reflect the European Union’s broader strategy to maintain security and stability in the region while managing migration more effectively.
Intergovernmental Cooperation in EU Policy
The study also applies the theory of intergovernmentalism to explain how migration policies are developed within the European Union.
This theoretical approach emphasizes the role of individual member states in shaping EU decisions. Political scientist Andrew Moravcsik, who developed the liberal intergovernmentalist perspective, argues that EU policies emerge through negotiations among member states, each pursuing its national interests.
In the context of migration management, cooperation between EU institutions and Western Balkan governments plays a crucial role. Effective coordination is necessary to ensure that migration policies are implemented consistently across borders.
Challenges in Policy Implementation
Although the EU Action Plan provides a comprehensive framework, the study notes that several challenges remain.
Key obstacles include:
- Institutional capacity differences among Western Balkan countries
- Persistent activities of human smuggling networks
- Continued migration pressures from global crises
- Policy coordination difficulties between national governments
The researchers emphasize that long-term success will depend on sustained cooperation between the European Union and Western Balkan states.
Without coordinated action, irregular migration flows may continue to pose risks to both regional stability and migrant safety.
Broader Implications for Migration Governance
The findings of this research highlight the importance of regional cooperation in managing international migration. Migration challenges cannot be addressed by individual countries alone, especially when migration routes cross multiple borders.
The European Union’s approach demonstrates how coordinated policies, diplomatic engagement, and institutional cooperation can contribute to more effective migration management.
Beyond Europe, the study also provides insights for policymakers around the world who are facing similar migration challenges.
By combining border management strategies with humanitarian considerations and regional partnerships, governments can develop more balanced and sustainable migration policies.
Author Profiles
Fadli Husnurrahman is a researcher from Universitas Indonesia specializing in international relations, migration policy, and regional security studies.
David Ronald Tairas is also affiliated with Universitas Indonesia, with research interests in international politics, foreign policy analysis, and European regional studies.
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