Migration Management

About Sector

EU Support to Migration Management

The EU is Serbia's largest supporter in managing migration. Since 2015, it has provided around 240 million euros to help Serbia improve border security, support the reception and asylum system, reduce smuggling of human beings, improve capacities for inclusion od refugees and fto conduct returns to the countires of origin. This support is part of the EU's broader Migration Action Plan for the Western Balkans, which aims to create safe and organized migration processes. The EU's Action Plan on the Western Balkans outlines 20 key actions across five main areas to help manage migration. These include strengthening border controls, speeding up asylum processes, supporting reception facilities, fighting human smuggling, improving cooperation for returning migrants, and aligning visa policies. This plan aims to boost cooperation on migration between the EU and Western Balkan countries, which are preparing for EU membership and working to follow EU standards. With rising migration due to economic and security issues, especially along the Western Balkan routes, the EU and its partners are working closely to address these shared challenges. 

Reception and Asylum:

• EU Support to Migration Management - Reception and Protection Services III (36.150.000 euros (SCRM)): The project aims to help Serbia’s Commissariat for Refugees and Migration (SCRM) better support refugees, migrants, and unaccompanied children. It focuses on improving the ability to identify vulnerable people and connect them with the right services. The project also helps cover the costs of running asylum and reception centers across Serbia.
• EU Support to Migration Management - Access to Health III (3.600.000 euros (Ministry of Health)): The project ensures that migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers in Serbia have access to the necessary health care. It provides medical services at all levels, from basic care to specialized treatments. The project includes hiring doctors and other staff, supplying medicines, and ensuring clean and safe living conditions in accommodation centers.
• EU Support to Migration Management - Improving reception capacity, protection services and access to education III (5.000.000 euros (IOM)): The project aims to improve services and living conditions in government reception centers for refugees and migrants, as well as help them integrate into society. This includes upgrading accommodation, making small improvements to the facilities, and providing translation services. The project also supports refugees and migrants in accessing education by covering tuition fees, providing mentors, and offering other educational support.
• EU Support to Migration Management - Supporting social cohesion and resilience of host communities (1.200.000 euros (IOM and UNHCR)): The project aims to help asylum seekers and refugees integrate into society while also strengthening local communities. It will offer small grants for activities that promote social unity. Additionally, the project will support discussions on migration policies and work on improving communication and awareness about migration issues.

Border management:

• EU Support to Migration Management - Strengthening Migration Management and Border Control (11.300.000 euros (IOM): The project aims to improve how Serbia manages borders and migration, following EU standards to help people and goods move safely while boosting security. It includes providing equipment for registering and identifying people, as well as vehicles and training for staff. The project also focuses on improving facilities for migrants, such as renovating buildings and increasing the capacity of closed centers. So far, the project has provided various equipment, including computers for registration, mobile devices for checking people’s identities, cars for the police, and vans for transporting migrants and staff. Additionally, it includes tools to detect fake travel documents.
• EU Support to efficient border management  (Supplies) (4.250.000): The project is focused on boosting border security by equipping teams with advanced surveillance tools for thorough monitoring on both land and in the air. This includes specialized 4x4 and SUV vehicles, mobile video units, and high-tech drones, allowing for real-time aerial and ground surveillance. Additionally, thermal imaging cameras enhance visibility, especially at remote green border areas where traditional methods fall short. With 7 off-road vehicles, 56 SUVs, 6 mobile video systems, 45 thermal cameras, and 5 drones, border teams are now better equipped to detect and respond to unauthorized crossings, enhancing safety and control at Serbia’s borders.

• Technical assistance to implement the Action plans for Integrated Border management and  Schengen (2.000.000): The project provides technical support for Serbia's implementation of the new Action Plan under the Integrated Border Management (IBM) Strategy for the period after 2025, building on previous assistance from 2022. This includes aligning border management laws and regulations with EU and Schengen standards. Key activities involve identifying areas that need improvement, supporting the creation of updated regulations, enhancing existing systems, and developing new methods for secure data and information sharing. This effort is aimed at creating a more efficient and EU-aligned border management system in Serbia.
• EU Support to migration management and border control- Supplies of Equipment for border surveillance (2.430.000): The project aims to enhance border surveillance by providing advanced equipment for both aerial and ground monitoring. This includes specialized vehicles with cameras for detecting individuals at green borders. The project also includes the construction of two fixed border surveillance pillars equipped with thermal imaging camera and day/night cameras, stationary surveillance systems along with regional and local monitoring centers. Additionally, it provides 25 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones to improve border surveillance and increase the detection of unauthorized border crossings.

Returns:

• EU Support to migration management and border control- Returns (500.000): The project provides direct financial support to Serbia's Ministry of Interior to cover the costs associated with the non-voluntary return of foreigners undergoing the return process. This assistance ensures that individuals who are required to leave the country are returned safely and in accordance with legal procedures.

Fight against smugglers: 

• EU support to strengthen the fight against migrant smuggling and trafficking in human beings in the Western Balkans (30.000.000): This program focuses on combating migrant smuggling and human trafficking by enhancing law enforcement and judicial cooperation in the Western Balkans. It aims to dismantle criminal smuggling networks and improve border management across the region. Building on current initiatives like SCOPE, EMPACT, and awareness campaigns, the partnership will strengthen regional collaboration through joint investigations, improved information sharing, and coordinated training sessions, creating a unified approach to tackling these challenges.

• EU regional support to protection-sensitive migration management systems in the Western Balkans - PHASE III (EUAA, FRONTEX, IOM, UNHCR 19.200.000): This programme aims to enhance migration management system in Serbia through enhanced t support by the EUAA to improve standards I the area of reception and asylum; cooperation with FRONTEX in the area of border management, surveillance, and returns; IOM in the area of assisted voluntary returns, and UNHCR in the area of access to the asylum procedures and monitoring of human rights.