Commissioner Brunner visits Serbia to strengthen migration and border management cooperation

On 29 April, Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner was in Serbia to further strengthen the EU's cooperation with the country on migration, border management and internal security.

During his visit, Commissioner Brunner met with President Aleksandar Vučić, Prime Minister Đuro Macut and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Ivica Dačić.

Discussions covered migration management, returns and readmission, and the fight against migrant smuggling, terrorism, and violent extremism. A meeting with Frontex also took place in the afternoon.

Serbia plays an important role in managing irregular migration along the Western Balkan route and closely cooperates with EU agencies, including Frontex.

Discussions also focussed on the rule of law, including recent judicial amendments, prosecutorial autonomy and law enforcement, as well as on internal security, the fight against organised crime and corruption, and the need to safeguard the operational independence of law enforcement authorities. The Commissioner encouraged Serbia to bring its judicial laws in line with EU standards, as recommended by the Venice Commission last week.

While cooperation on migration and security is strong and continues to advance, credible progress on rule of law and internal security reforms remains essential to continue advancing on its EU path and making the most of the EU's financial instruments.