Final Conference of the Project on Strengthening Migration Management, Asylum and Return Processes in the Western Balkans held in Sarajevo

On 19 May 2026, the final conference of the project dedicated to strengthening migration management, return processes, and asylum systems in the Western Balkans was held in Sarajevo. The conference brought together representatives of institutions, international organizations and civil society from across the region, who exchanged experiences and discussed ways to further enhance regional cooperation in the fields of migration and asylum.

Participants presented the results of the multi-year project, which has made a significant contribution to strengthening institutional capacities and improving standards in return procedures and the reception of foreign nationals. Throughout the conference, particular emphasis was placed on the development of common procedures, regional coordination, and the consistent implementation of international standards in migration management.

The programme also included two panel discussions, during which participants explored return standards, protection mechanisms, regional cooperation, and the role of civil society in providing support to migrants and asylum seekers.

The results of a media campaign were also presented. The campaign helped raise public awareness of the realities of migration and promoted understanding of legal and safe migration pathways. It was developed through years of cooperation among regional institutions responsible for migration and asylum issues in the Western Balkans, as well as organizations and experts working in this field.

The organizers highlighted that the final conference served not only as an opportunity to review the achievements of the project, but also to define concrete steps for further strengthening regional cooperation and building an effective migration management system in the Western Balkans.

The conference was held within the framework of the project “Strengthening Migration Management, Asylum and Return Processes in the Western Balkans”, implemented by Hilfswerk International in cooperation with the Joint Coordination Platform (JCP). The project is funded by the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) and the Federal Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Austria.