IOM Western Balkans

19/06/2026

In Vienna, the 1st Regional Steering Committee Meeting under the Joint Action Strengthening Return Management Systems in the Western Balkans brought together Western Balkans authorities, the European Commission, and implementing partners to assess progress, exchange perspectives, and help shape the strategic direction of future activities under the Joint Action.

Discussions focused on the development of Individual Return Roadmaps, emerging legislative developments, and support available through the Joint Action, while providing an opportunity for partners to share experiences and identify common priorities.

By aligning efforts, strengthening cooperation, and placing national priorities at the center of discussions, the meeting underscored the importance of regional ownership in building stronger, more responsive, and sustainable return management systems across the region, with the support of the EU Enlargement & Eastern Neighbourhood.

Ministerie van Justitie en Veiligheid I ICMPD Western Balkans I Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency I IOM Albania I IOM Bosnia and Herzegovina I IOM Kosovo I IOM Montenegro I IOM North Macedonia I IOM Serbia

18/06/2026

Today in Vienna, representatives of the European Commission, IOM, Ministerie van Justitie en Veiligheid, ICMPD Western Balkans, Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, and Joint Coordination Platform came together for the Coordination Mechanism Meeting under the Joint Action Strengthening Return Management Systems in the Western Balkans.

The meeting provided an important opportunity to take stock of progress achieved to date, exchange perspectives on key challenges and risks, and identify priorities for the next phase of implementation. Through constructive discussions and close coordination, partners reaffirmed their shared commitment to delivering sustainable and effective solutions in the field of return management.

Bringing together expertise, experience, and a common vision, the Joint Action continues to demonstrate the value of collaboration in addressing complex migration challenges and advancing well-coordinated responses.

The support of the EU Enlargement & Eastern Neighbourhood continues to foster meaningful cooperation among partners, creating a platform for dialogue, coordination, and collective action toward shared objectives.

10/06/2026

As Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Dragons prepare for the , their story reflects a broader truth: migration can create opportunities, strengthen communities, and reinforce ties to home.

From a global diaspora contributing skills, knowledge, and investment, to players whose talents were shaped abroad, migration has long been a source of resilience, opportunity, and pride for Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Read the op-ed by IOM Bosnia and Herzegovina Chief of Mission W. David Womble: bit.ly/4ur7w8k

08/06/2026

IOM was pleased to support the MARRI Regional Forum held in Sarajevo, bringing together representatives of MARRI administrations, international organizations and partners to discuss regional priorities and strengthen cooperation on migration, asylum and border management.

Through the Udenrigsministeriet funded project, IOM was glad to contribute to this important gathering and support dialogue on shared migration challenges and opportunities across the Western Balkans.

Look forward to further strengthening our partnership!

03/06/2026

Migration trends continue to evolve.

The latest Displacement Tracking Matrix - DTM report highlights changes in arrivals, reception capacities & return trends recorded in April, providing key insights into migration movements across the Western Balkans.

Explore the latest data: https://bit.ly/4e1g4wq

EU Enlargement & Eastern Neighbourhood I Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office I Ministero degli Affari Esteri e della Cooperazione Internazionale I Udenrigsministeriet

02/06/2026

Reflecting on the discussions at the Wapes European Regional Conference in Sarajevo, one message stands out: effective cooperation, knowledge exchange, and coordinated action are essential for building responsive and inclusive labour market systems.

Bringing together public employment services (PES), institutions, and international partners, the conference explored labour mobility, skills development, and emerging labour market trends. Across sessions, participants emphasized that many labour market challenges - skills shortages, mismatches, and mobility barriers - are not only structural, but often the result of fragmentation, weak coordination, and underutilized data and skills.

A key takeaway is that partnerships are no longer optional—they are foundational. Effective labour market responses depend on stronger collaboration between PES, employers, education providers, and international actors, as well as better integration of data, services, and governance systems.

As labour markets continue to evolve, these exchanges play a critical role in shaping policies and practices that support both employers and jobseekers. Ultimately, the Sarajevo conference reaffirmed that sustainable labour market development depends on combining people, partnerships, and systems - anchored in collaboration and shared learning across borders.

Amsep Wapes Amspe I AICS Tirana

22/05/2026

15/05/2026

Charaf left Morocco hoping to create a better future for his daughters.

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, far from home, one phone call made him realize the future he wanted was alongside his family.

With IOM support, he returned to Morocco and reopened his clothing business, turning return into a new beginning.

Read more: https://storyteller.iom.int/stories/long-journey-phone-call-and-fresh-start-morocco

13/05/2026