European security, migration and child protection were at the centre of the EU Western Balkans Forum, chaired by Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Jim O’Callaghan in Budva, Montenegro. The two-day ministerial meeting concluded on 6 November 2026 as part of Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
The forum brought together justice and home affairs ministers from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia. Representatives of Lithuania and Greece, the European Commission, the European External Action Service, the EU Delegation in Montenegro and relevant EU agencies also attended.
EU Western Balkans Forum focuses on shared security priorities
Discussions examined how the EU and its Western Balkan partners can respond collectively to cross-border challenges. Key areas included serious and organised crime, migration, judicial cooperation, fundamental rights and the Western Balkans’ path towards EU accession.
Minister O’Callaghan said stronger alignment with EU standards and policies was strategically important, adding that mutual trust and coordinated action were essential to shared security and prosperity.
Online crime and hybrid threats
During the home affairs session, participants agreed to strengthen cooperation against cybercrime, cyberattacks, online fraud and child sexual abuse. They also highlighted the growing risks posed by artificial intelligence and deepfake technology.
The discussions included improving digital investigations and forensic capacity, working more closely with online platforms and expanding regional cybersecurity cooperation. Europol, CEPOL and other European security partners were identified as important sources of support.
Migration and organised crime
Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to tackling illegal migration, migrant smuggling and human trafficking through improved border management and closer cooperation with Frontex, the European Union Agency for Asylum and Europol.
The EU also outlined plans for new restrictive measures against organised crime groups and individuals involved in migrant smuggling and human trafficking. Participants stressed that enforcement must be accompanied by protection and support for victims.
Justice cooperation, corruption and child protection
The justice session focused on preventing corruption, strengthening judicial reform and protecting the rule of law. Ministers discussed investigations, prosecutions, convictions and asset confiscation, particularly in serious and high-level cases.
Child protection was another central theme. Delegates considered support for children affected by violence and crime, the use of electronic evidence in online abuse cases and the difficulties involved in cross-border investigations.
Minister O’Callaghan said Ireland’s Presidency would continue technical work on the proposed EU directive addressing child sexual abuse and exploitation, while also progressing negotiations on the Child Sexual Abuse Regulation.
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The forum underlined the importance of sustained cooperation between the EU and Western Balkans as criminal networks, digital threats and migration routes continue to cross national borders. The central takeaway is clear: coordinated justice and home affairs action remains vital to protecting communities, upholding the rule of law and supporting European stability.
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie
*The designation of Kosovo is without prejudice to positions on status and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the declaration of independence.