Meeting of the Ministers of Interior / Internal Affairs of SEECP Participants
on the enhancement of Security Cooperation in the SEE
The Ministers and representatives of the Participating Members in the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP), in the presence of the Deputy Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), as well as the representatives of Berlin, Rome, and Washington that participated as observers, met in Athens on 4th May 2022.
The Meeting aimed at promoting regional cooperation in light of the region’s European perspective. The participants reaffirmed the important role of the South-East European Cooperation Process in enhancing regional cooperation, as an essential element for the security and stability in the area. Moreover, they reconfirmed the importance of their collaboration as a milestone for social and economic growth throughout the region.
The participants noted the dynamics created through such meetings and their contribution to the promotion of good neighborly relations and mutual trust. They also stressed the need to work together in order to effectively address the common challenges they face, linked with illegal migration and the fight against organised crime.
The participants highlighted that the region and Europe as a whole is exposed to unprecedented security threats because of the ongoing Ukrainian crisis and they discussed its consequences for the security of the region.
In addition, they highlighted the dangers entailed by the war in Ukraine, such as human trafficking and exploitation of vulnerable groups, trafficking of firearms, cybercrime, drug smuggling, etc.
The participants reaffirmed their commitment to tackling organized crime, illegal migration, violent extremism, and terrorism. They also reiterated their determination to further strengthen their cooperation in the fight against criminal networks and trafficking.
They expressed their concern regarding terrorism and radicalization and recalled the importance of the common fight against the financing of terrorism, arms, and drug trafficking, as well as violent extremism.
In general, the participants acknowledged the importance of enhancing synergies at the regional and European levels, to enhance safety and security.
Source: Athens SEECP Chairmanship-in-Office 2021-2022