Western Balkans Border Police Chiefs Forum advances practical cooperation on migration and border security
The Western Balkans Border Police Chiefs Forum was held in Skopje on 26–27 August 2026, bringing together senior representatives of border police authorities from the Western Balkans, EU Member States and the United Kingdom, as well as representatives of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Frontex and other European, regional and international partners.
Held within the framework of Montenegro’s Chairmanship of the Berlin Process, the Forum provided an opportunity to exchange experience and discuss common challenges in migration management, border security and the fight against transnational organised immigration crime and people smuggling. Discussions also covered return and readmission, operational cooperation and available support mechanisms.
A key part of the Forum focused on identifying priorities for future cooperation. Participants worked in groups on operational coordination and possibilities for joint task forces, migration data sharing, as well as visa control, readmission and capacity building.
The discussions continued on the second day, with the outcomes of the working groups presented and consolidated in plenary. The Forum concluded with the presentation of the Berlin Process Border Police Chiefs Chair’s Declaration.
The Forum underlined the importance of continued regional cooperation and closer coordination with European and international partners in addressing cross-border challenges. It contributed to the wider objectives of the Berlin Process by supporting practical cooperation and stronger links between the Western Balkans and European partners in the areas of migration and border security.
You may find further photographs on this link, as well as a video here.