Through the International Organization for Migration (IOM) as an implementation partner, the EU Delegation in Serbia donated 49 vehicles and 23 vans, totallng 1.7 million EUR, as well as specialized equipment to be used by the Ministry of the Internal Affairs of the Republic of Serbia.
On behalf of the European Union and IOM, the vehicles and sophisticated equipment were symbolically handed over to Serbian Minister of Internal Affairs Ivica Dačić by the Ambassador of the EU Delegation to Serbia, Emanuele Giaufret and the IOM Chief of Mission, Zeynal Hajiyev.
“The men and women working tirelessly on behalf of Serbia at the borders and beyond, who face the daily challenges of irregular migration, deserve the best tools to perform their crucial tasks effectively. The delivery of these 72 vehicles and specialized equipment for the identification and registration of those entering irregularly in Serbia will significantly enhance the capacity of Serbia’s border police”, Ambassador Giaufret said, adding that these resources enable swift and humane responses, allowing officers to engage with individuals on the move, ascertain their status, and ensure appropriate transportation to specialized centers and social services.
Ambassador Giaufret added that migration is not just a national challenge, but a shared responsibility that requires collaborative solutions.
“The EU is proud to stand as a committed partner to Serbia in addressing migration and border management, reflecting our collective dedication to both security and the human dignity of those on the move.”
IOM Chief of Mission, Hajiyev congratulated the Ministry of Interior for successfully implementing the important multi-year project worth 11,3 million EUR, within the framework of the migration partnership between the Republic of Serbia and the European Union, while highlighting the ongoing support of the EU in intensifying the efforts to achieve an effective, humanitarian and safe migration policy in the country.
“The country’s obligations under Chapter 24 of the EU accession negotiations further emphasize the importance of effective migration management. IOM stands here today, as it has done for the last three decades Serbia, to support further development of a comprehensive framework that promotes safe, orderly, and regular migration while ensuring the protection of migrants’ rights,” added Hajiyev.
Donated vehicles and the specialized equipment are already in use by the Border Police and other organizational units of the Ministry, in order to further enable responsible and accountable border management in line with EU standards. With a total support of nearly 20 million euros, only for border management, the long-term cooperation with the European Union continues, with the IOM as implementation partner.
“Migration, human trafficking, illegal narcotics trade, as well as other cross-border threats, represent constant challenges, and it is therefore crucial to focus resources on strengthening the capacities and providing additional equipment for the border police. This donation is proof of joint action and efforts, not only for the safety of our citizens, but also a contribution to the wider European security framework,” the Minister of Interior emphasized.
