The Swiss Development and Cooperation Agency (SDC) is funding a regional project which aims to enhance the fight against irregular migration and cross-border transgressions at the borders within the Western Balkans.
The Western Balkans region constitutes a major transit route for irregular migrants, smuggling of goods, drugs, weapons and stolen vehicles, as well as for trafficking of human beings. A substantial increase in irregular migration flows and cross-border transgressions has resulted in significant pressure on regional borders.
Specifically, this project will serve to enhance the capacities of Border Police officials of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Kosovo/UNSC 1244, Montenegro, and Serbia through cross-border coordination, sharing of information, joint patrols, and joint investigations at the bilateral, trilateral, and regional level.
The IOM Development Fund contribution will provide co-funding to cover the implementation of project-related activities including the development of a Regional Transnational Crime Manual, training workshops and provision of equipment for Border Police Units.