Kosovo has become the first country in the region to publicly confirm that it is considering the construction of centers for the return of rejected asylum seekers from the United Kingdom.
Acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti stated that Kosovo “wants to help” the UK in its fight against illegal migration, in exchange for support in strengthening security against threats from Serbia and Russia.
Ahead of the Western Balkans leaders’ summit scheduled for Wednesday in London, Kurti confirmed that talks are underway between Kosovo and UK officials on this matter.
“We want to help Britain. We see this as both a friendly and political duty. Even though we have limited capacities, we are willing to contribute,” he told The Times on Tuesday.
Three other regional countries — Albania, Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina — have rejected the UK’s offer to establish such centers. Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama reiterated that “never in Albania” would such an agreement be accepted, while his Montenegrin counterpart Milojko Spajić said Montenegro is not part of the migrant smuggling route through the Balkans.
The UK is seeking regional partners as part of efforts to curb illegal crossings through the English Channel, where around 37,000 migrants were registered this year — a 30% increase compared to last year.
