June 19, 2018 - The Minister of Interior of Montenegro, Mevludin Nuhodzic, attended the meeting of European Union representatives in the fields of migration and security, as well as the ministers of interiors of the Western Balkans, which took place in Brussels over the last few days. On this occasion, Nuhodzic announced that Montenegro, as a reliable partner of the European Union, has taken all the necessary measures to successfully face the possible wave of illegal migrations. He also added that close cooperation between all European countries is of great importance, in order to decrease the risk of mass migration to a minimum.
"In 2015, the Government of Montenegro adopted the Action Plan in case of a large influx of migrants, which is in line with international standards. The plan covers the locations of possible crossings at the borders of Montenegro, logistics centers, human resources, accommodation capacities, health and social protection, legal assistance, transport and, of course, security issues. We have set up the Coordination Committee and the Operational Team for the implementation of the plan. The adoption of the Law on International and Temporary Protection of Foreigners and the Law on Foreigners additionally enhanced the normative framework," said Minister Nuhodzic.
He also noted that Montenegro has established joint border patrols with all neighboring countries and that it has developed good cooperation with Frontex and that it has been consistently implementing readmission agreements.
"This is an important step towards accession to the European Union, given that the new Enlargement Strategy defines six priority areas, one of which concerns security and migration. Montenegro is ready to take all measures to achieve close cooperation with its neighbors, with countries of possible destinations, as well as countries of origin, with a view to tackle the mass migration issue more efficiently," the Interior Minister of Montenegro stressed.
At this meeting, the European Union’s Commissioner for Migration, the European Union’s Security Commissioner and the interior ministers of the Council of Europe confirmed their commitment to further intensify cooperation between the countries of the Western Balkans and the European Union in terms of strengthening border security, as well as the fight against organised crime, terrorism and illegal arms trafficking.
During his stay in Brussels, Minister Nuhodzic, took an opportunity to meet Austrian Minister of Interior, Herbert Kickl. In their discussion, the two officials concluded that Austria recognizes Montenegro's efforts in the rule of law and supports its European integration.
They also spoke about the main challenges of mass migrations and outcomes this problem can cause to both Region and Europe. They expressed satisfaction with the content and intensive relations of the two countries, concluding that there is room for strengthening cooperation in all areas of joint jurisdiction.
"In that regard, I appreciate that the motto of the Austrian presidency 'Europe that protects' is well chosen, as well as the focus on issues of external borders and illegal migrations," said Minister Nuhodzic.
