UK to host Berlin Process Summit this autumn, Karen Pierce new envoy for the Western Balkans

(Patria) - The United Kingdom will host leaders of six Western Balkan states and other European leaders this year at a key international summit to support stability, security and economic cooperation in the region.

The focus of the Summit will also be the joint fight against the use of this region as a transit route for irregular migration, with the British Government's commitment to use all available means to control the borders of the United Kingdom.

The fact that the UK, in partnership with Germany, will host this Summit confirms this Government's determination to redefine its relations with Europe, as well as to implement the latest measures from the government strategy to build lasting partnerships in the fight against criminal groups that enable irregular migration.

The Western Balkans, where we have three NATO partners, is very important for British and European security. The risk of instability is increasing: regional tensions are fueled by malicious Russian influence, and there is an urgent need to crack down on criminal gangs that have made this region a key transit route for irregular migration across Europe.

At the same time, Dame Karen Pierce has been appointed as the British special envoy for the Western Balkans, with a mandate to lead the implementation of British strategic priorities in the region, including preparations for the Summit. Dame Karen Pierce is one of the most experienced British diplomats, a former British ambassador to the US and a former British Permanent Representative to the UN in New York – the first woman to be appointed to both positions. She will take over the new position from her predecessor, Lord Peach, in the spring.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

“The Western Balkans are of long-term importance to the United Kingdom, and our partnerships in the region are key to our efforts to combat irregular migration and tackle the evil of human trafficking. Hosting the Berlin Process in the United Kingdom demonstrates our commitment to European security and implementing the British Government's Plan for Change.

Dame Karen Pierce's experience and expertise make her the right person for this important job. I would like to thank Lord Peach for his personal commitment and service in promoting British interests in the Western Balkans over the past three years.”

Minister for Border Security and Asylum, Angela Eagle, stated:

“Cooperation is key if we want to stop people from embarking on dangerous journeys to the UK. That is why, through the Border Security Command, we are rebuilding strong ties across Europe and the world to fight the shared challenge of irregular migration and the security of our borders. This Government has already agreed new agreements aimed at strengthening operational cooperation in cracking down on organized immigration crime, with countries such as North Macedonia, Serbia and Kosovo. Our action on the international stage, as well as stronger enforcement of migration policies on UK territory, will enable the dismantling of the business model of people-smuggling gangs at all levels.”