Sir Keir Starmer is hosting leaders from the Western Balkans in London for a summit focused on tackling irregular migration and strengthening regional security. The talks, part of the Berlin Process initiated by former German chancellor Angela Merkel, aim to deepen cooperation with the six countries: North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Kosovo.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed the UK's commitment to peacekeeping in Kosovo, extending support for the Nato KFOR mission until December 2028. He stated: 'The UK’s commitment to peace and security in the Western Balkans is unwavering.' The summit will also launch new cooperation against organised crime groups involved in the cocaine trade.
Irregular migration is a key focus, with 22,000 people smuggled through the region last year. The UK is working with partners to target smuggling gangs and reduce small boat arrivals across the Channel. However, no deals on return hubs—where failed asylum seekers could be sent before deportation—are expected at the summit.
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama ruled out hosting such hubs, saying: 'Never in Albania.' Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajic noted his country is not part of the Balkan smuggling route due to underdeveloped railways, but joked he would accept a hub if the UK invested €10 billion in railways.
