WEBINAR: Migration in the Western Balkans

On September 28, 2023, Strategic Analysis organized the seventh online webinar this year with our Young Leaders‘ Programme members. The discussion focused on migration in the Western Balkans region.

The topic of migration through the Western Balkans route has once again captured the public’s attention. Throughout the years 2022 and 2023, there has been a notable increase in gang-related violence among rival groups of migrant smugglers situated in the northern region of Serbia, particularly along the border with Hungary.

These criminal organizations consist of individuals hailing from Morocco, Syria, and Afghanistan, and they are equipped with illicit weapons sourced from Kosovo-based criminal syndicates. Alarmingly, they also seem to have established corrupt ties with law enforcement, effectively placing them above the law. This perilous situation has already resulted in the tragic loss of several Serbian citizens living in proximity to the border.

In our pursuit of comprehending the intricacies surrounding this urgent issue, we engaged in a profound discussion with a select group of Young Leaders specializing in Strategic Analysis.

Our aim was to gain a comprehensive understanding of the complex dynamics at play within the region, which have far-reaching implications beyond the immediate vicinity of these incidents.