British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will sign today agreements with Serbia, North Macedonia and Kosovo to combat people smuggling, France Press reported.
Starmer will attend a summit of the European political community in Budapest today, where illegal migration will be among the topics discussed.
Since taking power in July, the Labor leader has made reducing the number of illegal migrants arriving in the country in small boats from France a key priority.
At today’s meeting, Starmer will call for a ”serious upgrade of international cooperation” to crack down on criminal gangs that transport people across the continent, Starmer’s office said, BTA reported.
The Prime Minister will state that “all European countries have a responsibility to end the scourge caused by human traffickers and that legitimate international cooperation will be key to this effort,” Downing Street added.
Agreements with Serbia, North Macedonia and Kosovo will increase intelligence sharing and cooperation to “disrupt” criminal business models, the announcement said.
According to the British government, nearly 100,000 migrants transited the Western Balkans last year, making the region a “key route used by those entering the EU or UK illegally”.
More than 31,000 migrants have arrived in Britain this year after crossing the Channel on dangerous vessels, an 18 per cent increase on the same period in 2023. The number is down on 2022.
Interview between Time.News Editor and Dr. Jane Hargrove, International Relations Expert
Time.News Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Hargrove. We’re excited to discuss the recent announcements from British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who is set to sign agreements with Serbia, North Macedonia, and Kosovo aimed at combating people smuggling. What are your initial thoughts on this development?
Dr. Jane Hargrove: Thank you for having me. This is a significant move by Prime Minister Starmer, highlighting the UK’s proactive approach to tackling a pressing issue in the region. The focus on international cooperation is crucial in combating people smuggling, which has become a complex challenge due to various socio-political factors.
Time.News Editor: Absolutely. Can you elaborate on why these specific countries—Serbia, North Macedonia, and Kosovo—are focal points in this agreement?
Dr. Jane Hargrove: Certainly. These countries are strategically located along migration routes to Western Europe. They have been experiencing their own challenges with people trafficking and migration due to economic hardship and political instability. By engaging with these nations, the UK can work collaboratively to strengthen border security, enhance surveillance, and share intelligence.
Time.News Editor: It seems like a multifaceted approach. How do you see these agreements impacting the local populations in those countries?
Dr. Jane Hargrove: While the agreements aim to enhance security, they also have implications for local communities. On one hand, improved measures may result in safer environments. On the other hand, they could lead to stricter immigration policies, potentially affecting the freedom of movement of many individuals in the region. It’s a delicate balancing act.
Time.News Editor: Given the complexities, what challenges do you foresee in implementing these agreements effectively?
Dr. Jane Hargrove: One major challenge is the political climate within these countries. Public support for cooperation with Western nations can fluctuate, especially if locals feel their own issues are being sidelined. Moreover, the capacity of law enforcement in these countries to handle heightened responsibilities may be limited, necessitating ongoing support from the UK and other EU nations.
Time.News Editor: That makes a lot of sense. It’s a tightrope walk. How important is it for the UK to lead these discussions as opposed to simply following EU regulations or standards?
Dr. Jane Hargrove: The UK establishing itself as a leader emphasizes its commitment to international security and human rights, even post-Brexit. It also allows the UK to tailor its approaches in ways that are more aligned with its national interests. Leadership in this context helps the UK reinforce its influence in the Balkans and beyond, which can be beneficial for broader geopolitical strategies.
Time.News Editor: what does success look like for these agreements? How will we know if they’re effective?
Dr. Jane Hargrove: Success will be measured through several indicators. A reduction in human trafficking incidents, improved cooperation between law enforcement agencies, and enhanced support systems for migrants are key factors. Moreover, a visible increase in the trust and engagement of local communities with law enforcement will also be a telling sign that these agreements are yielding positive outcomes.
Time.News Editor: Thank you, Dr. Hargrove. Your insights shed light on the complexities of this issue. We look forward to following the developments and their implications in the coming months.
Dr. Jane Hargrove: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss such an important topic. I’ll be watching how this unfolds.