The UK will host leaders from the six Western Balkans countries and other European nations later this year for a pivotal international summit focused on stability, security, and economic
collaboration in the region. A key agenda item will be strengthening collective efforts to curb irregular migration, with the UK government committed to deploying all available resources to secure its borders.
Strengthening border security through European cooperation
The summit is part of the Berlin Process, an initiative designed to foster European cooperation. It aligns with the UK’s broader strategy to reinforce border security, dismantle smuggling networks, and expedite the return of those with no legal right to stay.
To drive forward these objectives, the government has appointed Dame Karen Pierce DCMG—one of the UK’s most experienced diplomats—as the Special Envoy to the Western Balkans. Her role will include preparing for the summit and advancing the UK’s strategic goals across the region.
A new global approach to tackling people smuggling
The UK is also pioneering an innovative sanctions regime aimed at disrupting people-smuggling operations before they reach British shores.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:
“The Western Balkans is of long-standing importance to the UK, and our partnerships in the region are central to our efforts to tackle irregular migration and bear down on the evil trade in human lives. Hosting the Berlin Process in the UK demonstrates our commitment to European Security, and to delivering on the government’s Plan for Change.
With her experience and expertise, Dame Karen Pierce is the ideal person to drive this important work forward. I would like to thank Lord Peach for his personal dedication and service in advancing UK interests in the Western Balkans over the past 3 years”.
Minister for Border Security and Asylum Angela Eagle said:
“Co-operation is key if we want to stop people making dangerous journeys to the UK. Which is why, through the Border Security Command, we are rebuilding strong relationships across Europe and beyond to address the common challenge of irregular migration and secure our borders.
This government has already agreed new deals to increase operational co-operation on organised immigration crime with countries including North Macedonia, Serbia, and Kosovo. Our international work, alongside a stronger immigration enforcement approach being taken in the UK, will ensure we are breaking the business model of the people-smuggling gangs at every level”.
Renewed UK-Europe relations & crackdown on criminal gangs
The summit, co-hosted with Germany, marks another step in the UK’s strategy to rebuild its European partnerships and combat irregular migration more effectively. This follows recent discussions between Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
Beyond Europe, the UK is actively tackling the root causes of irregular migration. In recent months:
The Foreign Secretary visited Tunisia to expand initiatives addressing migration drivers.
The UK announced the world’s first sanctions regime to disrupt human smuggling operations by cutting off illicit financial networks.
With three NATO allies present in the region, the Western Balkans remains a critical area for UK and European security. Rising regional tensions, exacerbated by Russian influence, have heightened concerns, making it imperative to target criminal gangs that have turned the Balkans into a major transit corridor for irregular migration.
Dame Karen Pierce’s new role as special envoy
Dame Karen Pierce brings a wealth of diplomatic experience to her new role. She was previously:
- The UK’s Ambassador to the United States.
- The UK’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, the first woman to hold this position.
- She will assume her Special Envoy role in the spring, succeeding Air Chief Marshal Lord Peach.
A broader vision for the UK’s plan for change
Beyond border security, Dame Karen’s role will contribute to wider government objectives, including:
- Cracking down on organized crime to enhance safety in the UK.
- Fostering business opportunities to drive economic growth.
With preparations for the Western Balkans Summit underway, the UK continues to demonstrate its commitment to European security, migration control, and diplomatic leadership on the global stage. Photo by Policy Exchange, Wikimedia commons.