The recent Western Balkans Summit in London, hosted by the UK, served as a pivotal platform for leaders to confront pressing issues of migration, regional security, and stalled EU integration amidst growing Russian influence, highlighting Britain’s continued engagement in European affairs post-Brexit.
On Wednesday, October 22, 2025, London’s historic Lancaster House became the focal point for critical discussions shaping the future of Southeastern Europe. Leaders from six Western Balkan nations — Albania, Bosnia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia — convened with British and European officials for a one-day summit. Hosted by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the meeting aimed to tackle complex challenges including migration, regional security, and economic growth in a region increasingly eyed by Russia for its strategic influence.
The summit was held as part of the broader Berlin Process, an initiative launched in 2014 to foster high-level cooperation and accelerate the Western Balkans’ journey towards European Union membership. Despite this ongoing effort, only Croatia has successfully joined the EU, becoming a member in 2013. Progress for the other nations has largely stalled, with various political and economic hurdles, including persistent tensions between Serbia and Kosovo, whose independence Belgrade still does not recognize.
The geopolitical context of the summit was heavily influenced by Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. This aggression has rekindled the EU’s interest in accepting new members, driven by concerns that the conflict could destabilize the Western Balkans, a region still recovering from its own past conflicts. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized this, stating that the region has “so often it has also been Europe’s crucible – the place where the security of our continent is put to the test.”
Addressing the Migration Crisis: A British Priority
A central theme of the London summit was the urgent need to curb unauthorized migration. The UK government, despite its departure from the EU in 2020, maintains a strong interest in European stability, particularly concerning cross-border movement. Prime Minister Starmer highlighted the significant role of the Western Balkans as a route for people smuggling, noting that a quarter of migrants reaching the UK in small boats across the English Channel have traveled through the region.
“There’s a criminal route through the Western Balkans bringing illegal migrants to the U.K., and we’re determined to shut it down by working with European partners,” Starmer affirmed. To that end, Britain imposed sanctions on several Balkan criminal gangs and financiers involved in people smuggling, including the Kosovo-based Krasniqi forgery network and ALPA Trading FZCO, a company allegedly financing such operations. This move underscores a concerted effort by the UK to dismantle these illicit networks.
The Controversial ‘Return Hubs’ Proposal
A key proposal by the UK was the establishment of “return hubs” in the region, facilities where rejected asylum-seekers could be held pending deportation. However, this initiative met with strong resistance from several Western Balkan leaders.
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama unequivocally rejected the idea, stating, “When it comes to the hubs, or whatever they are called, I’ve said it, and I repeat – never in Albania.” Similarly, Montenegro’s Prime Minister Milojko Spajic expressed reluctance, noting that his country is “not part of the migrant routes through the Balkans” due to underdeveloped railway infrastructure. Spajic suggested his country might consider hosting a hub if Britain committed to a substantial investment of “10 billion euros into building railways,” as reported by the Associated Press.
The UK is also building on successful bilateral efforts, such as a joint task force with Albania. This partnership, which includes a returns agreement and local projects, has significantly reduced the number of Albanian migrants attempting to reach the UK, dropping from 12,000 in 2022 to approximately 600 in 2024. Additionally, Britain has committed £10 million of investment to combat people-smuggling across the region, funding initiatives like enhanced law enforcement training in Kosovo and reinforced border security measures.
Countering Russian Influence and Bolstering Security
Beyond migration, bolstering the Western Balkan nations’ defenses against interference from Moscow was a critical security objective. Starmer explicitly referred to Russia’s “malign influence” in the region, a concern amplified by Serbia’s traditionally close ties with Moscow. The UK reinforced its commitment to regional stability by extending its participation in the NATO-led peacekeeping force for Kosovo until the end of 2028.
The Path to EU Accession and Regional Cooperation
The summit also provided a platform for discussions on accelerating the Western Balkans’ efforts on their path to EU accession. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas were present, underscoring the EU’s renewed commitment to the enlargement process. Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama commented that “since the aggression of Ukraine, thanks to Vladimir Putin, Europe woke up,” suggesting a new urgency for the EU to integrate the region.
The leaders present at the summit were:
- Albania: Prime Minister Edi Rama
- Bosnia and Herzegovina: Chairwoman of the Council of Ministers Borjana Krišto
- Kosovo: Acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti
- Montenegro: Prime Minister Milojko Spajic
- North Macedonia: Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski
- Serbia: Prime Minister Đuro Macut
Montenegro’s Prime Minister Milojko Spajic took over the presidency of the Berlin Process from the UK. He expressed optimism for 2026, anticipating a “year of great European success,” with plans to close all negotiating chapters and organize the EU-Western Balkans summit. This commitment highlights the region’s aspirations and the potential for increased momentum in their European journey, as detailed by the European Commission in its overview of the Berlin Process.
Serbia’s Push for Visa Liberalization
A notable discussion during the summit involved Serbia’s Prime Minister Đuro Macut’s initiative for visa liberalization between Serbia and Great Britain. Macut reportedly sent a request to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper to consider relaxing the visa regime, particularly for categories such as students and those attending advanced academic programs. This move could signify a deepening of educational and cultural ties between Serbia and the UK, potentially fostering greater understanding and cooperation.
The London summit served as a crucial gathering, reinforcing the UK’s ongoing commitment to European security and prosperity, even post-Brexit. It underscored the intricate web of challenges facing the Western Balkans, from managing migration flows and countering external influences to achieving the long-held aspiration of EU membership. The discussions and commitments made in London are poised to have lasting implications for the region’s stability and its relationship with the broader European community.
