At the initiative of Director General of the Police Senad Jušić, a regular regional video conference was held on 7 March 2024 with the police chiefs of Austria, Italy, Hungary, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, and North Macedonia. The main purpose of the meeting was to systematically review the migration situation in the region, to closely monitor police activities, to regularly address any shortcomings, and to deliver a consolidated message reflecting the unity of the region in pursuing the common goal of reducing irregular migration and preventing migrant smuggling to ensure the safety of the region's population.

As noted at the meeting, the pressure on the Western Balkans route was lower in 2023 compared to 2022. This trend is likely due to the ongoing process of harmonisation of visa requirements in the Western Balkans region, as well as effective police operations at the Serbian-Hungarian border and other operational activities carried out by individual countries. The successful cooperation between partners plays a particularly important role in this respect.

The next meeting is expected to take place before the summer, when participants will again exchange regular information. Until then, the partners will continue to deliver the agreed activities and put into practice the lessons learned from Thursday's meeting.

Representatives from Kosovo and Albania were unable to attend the conference.