The European Union and Serbia have signed a Treaty on support in migration management to improve reception capacities, protection services and access to education. Worth €2.3 million, the Treaty is part of a broader EU support to Serbia in the area and was signed by the European Commissioner for Migration and Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson.

“The EU has been Serbia’s partner in solving migration challenges from the beginning, and I must say that you have been a reliable partner in this. It is important to treat people with humanity and dignity and to manage migration in an orderly way. The situation is now better than a few years ago, but we are now fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, and I commend your efforts for involving migrants in the process,” said Commissioner Johansson while on a two-day visit in the country.

The President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić pointed out that the EU assistance in this area is essential for Serbia, since it also invests money to control migrant movements. He pointed out that the assistance is helping the country support the capacities for migrants and their education.

EU support for migration management in Serbia addresses many challenges, including providing humanitarian assistance and protection to migrants, especially children, accommodation in reception and asylum centres, and strengthening social cohesion in local hosting communities.