As part of the regional project supported by SMART Balkans the conference “Risks of High Technology Use in Migrant Smuggling Cases” was successfully held in Sarajevo on July 26 and 27, 2025.
The conference was jointly organized by the Association Vaša prava BiH, Group 484 from Serbia, and Civic Alliance from Montenegro, within the framework of the “Step by Step” project. The project aims to strengthen regional cooperation and enhance cross-sectoral responses to the challenges of modern migrant smuggling, with a special focus on the misuse of digital technologies. It is implemented through the SMART Balkans program funded by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (NMFA).
Participants of the conference analyzed how organized criminal groups exploit information and communication technologies, as well as the growing risks of digital exploitation of migrants. Special emphasis was placed on the presentation of the Smuggle Alert digital platform— a tool that enables real-time exchange of alerts and incident reporting among relevant actors in the region.
Bakir Dautbašić, Secretary of the Ministry of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina, emphasized that the fight against migrant smuggling is a strategic priority for Bosnia and Herzegovina. He noted that since 2018, around 180,000 irregular migrants have been recorded in the country, with approximately 80%—according to Frontex data—relying on smuggling networks. An effective response, he stressed, requires adapting legal and institutional frameworks, strengthening professional and IT capacities, and ensuring robust inter-institutional cooperation both nationally and regionally.
Stefan Almehagen Sandstad, Deputy Head of Mission of the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Sarajevo, stated that migration is one of the key areas where international cooperation proves its full value. He reminded participants that the Western Balkans have historically served as a bridge between Europe and other continents, with more than 100,000 migrants passing through the region over the past decade. Although migration centers are less crowded today, criminal networks continue to profit from vulnerable groups. Norway is proud to support projects like this one, which promote inclusive and responsible approaches in line with human rights.
Dajana Cvjetković, SMART Balkans Project Manager, highlighted the importance of networking civil society organizations with institutions: “This conference shows that it is possible to build trust and quality models of cooperation, especially on sensitive and transnational issues such as human smuggling.” The CPCD representative further emphasized that the “Step by Step” project is currently the largest regional initiative in this field, selected from among 246 submitted proposals due to the quality and unique structure of the partnership between civil society organizations and institutions. This example, she noted, confirms that CSOs are not only a service to citizens but also a vital resource for institutions striving to address complex social challenges effectively and responsibly.
The event gathered representatives of ministries of interior, judicial and investigative institutions, international organizations, and civil society organizations from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Montenegro. Through panel discussions and open exchange of experiences, participants identified common challenges and recommendations. These conclusions will be shared with all relevant actors in the region to further improve coordination, policy development, and best practices in the fight against migrant smuggling.
