Serbia has experienced a dramatic reduction in irregular border crossings this year, according to Interior Minister Ivica Dačić. During a recent meeting with Western Balkan leaders on September 17 in Berlin, Dačić shared that unauthorized entries into Serbia have decreased by an impressive 61.8 percent compared to the same period in 2023. This sharp decline highlights Serbia’s progress in managing migration issues in the region.
From January to early September, the number of irregular entries into Serbia dropped by 63 percent. Similarly, unauthorized exits from the country fell by 55.5 percent. This significant decrease in migration has been attributed to Serbia’s focused efforts on combating human smuggling and trafficking networks that exploit migrants traveling through the Balkan route.
Serbia’s enhanced measures against illegal migration have included intensified operations against organized crime. The country’s collaboration with Europol and Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, has played a crucial role in these efforts. By working closely with these international agencies, Serbia has been able to strengthen its border controls and disrupt the activities of criminal networks involved in migrant trafficking.
During the Berlin meeting, Dačić also had the opportunity to meet with German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser. Their discussion centered on finding ways to further strengthen cooperation between Serbia and Germany in managing irregular migration. The two officials explored various strategies to enhance their collaborative efforts and improve the management of migration flows in the region.
The “Berlin Process,” which was initiated ten years ago by former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, aims to support the European integration of Western Balkan countries. This process continues to be a significant framework for addressing migration and other regional challenges. The recent discussions between Serbia and Germany are a testament to the ongoing commitment to advancing this process and improving migration management in the Balkans.
Overall, Serbia’s recent success in reducing irregular border crossings shows the effectiveness of its enhanced measures and international cooperation. The country’s achievements reflect a strong commitment to addressing migration challenges and improving border security through collaboration with key international partners.