Ministers Matoz and Dačić discuss migration, security and the fight against organised crime

Slovenia and Serbia continue to be close partners in the field of internal security, while cooperation between the relevant ministries and police forces is based on mutual trust, professionalism and strong relations. The police attachés in Ljubljana and Belgrade play a significant role in this regard.

“We have several issues in common that bring us together, such as migration, organised crime, conventional crime and, of course, human trafficking. Today’s discussion focused primarily on how to  strengthen our cooperation further,” emphasised Minister Franci Matoz.

Joint response to security and migration challenges
The ministers paid particular attention to the situation along the Western Balkan migration route. Slovenia believes that effective management of migration flows requires coordinated action from all countries in the region, as well as a close partnership with European Union member states.

Due to the rise in migrant smuggling, enhanced operational cooperation between police forces and the real-time exchange of information are becoming even more important. Both Slovenia and Serbia are actively involved in European and regional initiatives that aim to tackle this type of crime, with the European multidisciplinary platform EMPACT playing a pivotal role.

Furthermore, Slovenia supports regional cooperation on the return of persons from the Western Balkans to their countries of origin in accordance with the EU acquis, while facilitating study visits and the exchange of best practices for Serbian experts as part of a regional project.

“In the field of migration, my colleague, the minister, and I have identified the most problematic areas and explored ways to further strengthen the exchange of operational information, so that we can swiftly detect and prevent the activities of criminal organisations involved in migrant smuggling,” emphasised Minister Matoz.

Strengthening the fight against organised crime
A significant part of the bilateral talks was also devoted to combating organised crime, which is becoming increasingly transnational. The Slovenian and Serbian police are successfully carrying out joint operations against international criminal organisations that specialise in migrant smuggling, human trafficking and the illicit drug trade.

The ministers reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation further by exchanging intelligence more effectively and participating in European security initiatives.

“Organised crime in all its most serious forms knows no borders, so it is undoubtedly in Slovenia’s interest to further improve and build upon this cooperation. Minister Dačić and I concluded that the collaboration between our police forces is already strong and ongoing, and that with new forms of coordinated collaboration, it will become even more direct and operational. It is also of the utmost importance that we are on the verge of signing a coordinated agreement on the prevention of human and child trafficking, which will significantly increase the effectiveness of our joint efforts. Slovenia also fully supports efforts to establish a regional Interpol office,” the minister added.

Slovenian police officers deployed in Serbia as part of Frontex
Joint operations with Frontex are a key aspect of cooperation in border management. Nine Slovenian police officers are currently deployed in Serbia as part of a long-term secondment at border crossings with Hungary, Bulgaria and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

During his visit, Minister Matoz also met with the Slovenian police officers, familiarised himself with their working conditions and thanked them for their professionalism and for proudly representing Slovenia and the Slovenian police.

Support for Serbia's and the region's European perspective
Slovenia will continue to offer political support and technical assistance to Serbia in its efforts to align with European security standards.

The Brdo Process continues to be the cornerstone of regional cooperation, having successfully brought countries together for many years to address shared security and migration concerns. Minister Matoz officially invited Minister Dačić to attend the next Brdo Process ministerial conference, which will take place in Slovenia next March.