British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is getting closer to signing an agreement on a center for returning migrants in the Western Balkans - but the price could be a new confrontation with Russia, writes "Politico", reports News.bg.
The foreign ministers of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Kosovo, North Macedonia and Montenegro will gather today at Hillsborough Castle, Northern Ireland, for a summit hosted by the United Kingdom. The goal is to integrate these countries more closely with other European allies and institutions.
It is no surprise that Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper is prioritizing discussions on immigration. The British government is desperately trying to tackle the crossing of small boats and reduce the number of illegal migrants.
This week's meeting is part of a diplomatic push to reach an agreement on how to process the immigration papers of people trying to settle in the UK but in another country.
Two government officials confirmed that the migration centres would be discussed informally at Hillsborough Castle. They said nothing had yet been finalised but a possible plan could be signed off at the next meeting of regional leaders on 22 October.
Kosovo is seen as a preferred destination for Britons. The country has strong ties to the UK and is seeking closer ties with Western countries. Its main motivation is strategic - to counter threats from both Serbia and Russia.
Kosovo has been in the spotlight since Starmer’s failed attempt to bring Albania in earlier this year. It is seen as a good alternative because it is one of the main routes used by migrants to the EU. In theory, this could stem the flow of illegal migration and act as a deterrent. Last year, nearly 22,000 migrants used the Western Balkans route to enter the EU.