Regional police conference calls for stronger cooperation against cross-border crime in SE Europe

Regional cooperation among police agencies is essential for combating organized crime, illegal migration, human trafficking and cybercrime in Southeast Europe, officials said on Tuesday at the assembly of the Southeast Europe Police Chiefs Association (SEPCA) in Sarajevo, reported Xinhua.

The gathering brought together police directors and security officials from eight Southeast European countries to discuss cross-border security challenges and ways to strengthen operational coordination.

The Federation Police Administration of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) is chairing SEPCA in 2026. This year's assembly focused on challenges related to illegal migration, human trafficking and migrant smuggling in Southeast Europe, as well as cooperation against organized crime and cybercrime.

Founded in 2002, SEPCA includes police organizations from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania and Serbia.

"BiH is a transit country in the center of Europe. If we prevent the transit of drugs through BiH, then Europe is safer," said BiH Interior Minister Ramo Isak.

He highlighted the importance of information sharing and joint operations involving regional police agencies and Europol, adding that such cooperation has contributed to faster detection of criminal offenses and improved responses to bomb threats and other security risks.

SEPCA Chair and Director of the Federation Police Administration of BiH Igor Maric said human trafficking, illegal migration and cybercrime remain among the most pressing challenges in the region.

Participants also discussed strengthening regional coordination through joint investigative teams.