Western Balkans Criminal Justice

The European Union (EU) and the Western Balkans face common criminal threats, and cooperation between the EU and its neighbours is crucial to effectively combat cross-border organised crime. As candidates and potential candidates for EU membership, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia are key partners in building a safer Europe.

For the past two decades, Eurojust has provided operational support and assistance to EU Member States, with a particular focus on facilitating judicial cooperation. The Western Balkans Criminal Justice (WBCJ) Project was developed to extend this operational support to Western Balkan partners, even in cases where no EU country is directly involved.

What is the Western Balkans Criminal Justice Project?

Find out about funding opportunities

The aim of the WBCJ Project is to strengthen cooperation within the Western Balkans and between the region and the European Union in the fight against organised crime and terrorism, using modern tools and instruments. Equipping Western Balkan partners with EU judicial cooperation tools and working methods - such as coordination meetings, coordination centres, and Joint Investigation Teams (JITs) - is essential for the successful outcome of cross-border investigations.

The project covers the following types of support:

Expertise and best practices from Eurojust and EU member states on how to use tools and instruments for judicial cooperation;
Direct funding for operational meetings (coordination meetings , coordination centres) and investigative activities among Western Balkan partners, both within and outside of JITs;
Provision of modern ICT equipment such as secure mobile phones and laptops;
Translation and interpretation services.

Scope

The WBCJ Project is funded by the European Commission’s Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA III) and covers the Western Balkans 6 (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia). It is implemented by Eurojust since 14 September 2022 for an initial duration of forty-eight months, through a contribution agreement of EUR 6,000,000. The overall objective is to strengthen the strategic and operational cooperation within the Western Balkan partners and between the region and the EU on fighting organised crime and terrorism, using modern judicial cooperation tools.

The Project pursues the following specific objectives:

Increase the ability of Western Balkan authorities to use modern judicial cooperation tools for investigating and prosecuting serious and organised cross-border crime
Strengthen the knowledge of the Western Balkan authorities of tools, instruments and best practices linked to judicial cooperation in the EU

To reach the above objectives, the Project is expected to deliver the following results:

A Contact Group, comprised of representatives of the six Western Balkan partners, is established and meets regularly (R1);
Western Balkan authorities are equipped with the necessary technical tools and financial means to coordinate parallel investigations (R2);
Western Balkan authorities are equipped with the necessary technical tools and financial means to set up and carry out JITs among themselves and with an EU MS (R3);
Increased participation of a larger number of Western Balkan authorities in Eurojust- supported cases (R4);
Western Balkan authorities are equipped with the necessary capacities, capabilities and knowledge to share information on coordinating investigations and prosecutions (R5);
Increased participation of Western Balkan partners in the practitioners’ networks and focus groups supported by Eurojust (R6).

Activities

The WBCJ Project revolves around the Contact Group, which functions as a regional coordination mechanism for cross-border judicial cooperation in criminal matters. The Contact Group is composed of two representatives per each Western Balkan partner (prosecutors and/or police officials) appointed by their home authorities. The Contact Group meets regularly in various locations, for example, at Eurojust or in the Western Balkans.

2025

16th Meeting - November (date TBC)
15th Meeting - 4 September at Eurojust premises in The Hague and online
14th Meeting - 17 June in Tirana
13th Meeting - 16 April at Eurojust premises in The Hague and online
12th Meeting - 21 February in Lima, Perú

2024

11th Meeting - 13 November, online
10th Meeting - 18 September, online
9th Meeting - 2 July at Eurojust premises in The Hague
8th Meeting - 30 May in Tirana
7th Meeting - 19 March in Skopje
6th Meeting - 1 February in Vienna

2023

5th Meeting - 30 November, online
4th Meeting - 27 September in Podgorica
3rd Meeting - 5 July in Sarajevo
2nd Meeting - 15 May at Eurojust premises in The Hague
1st Meeting - 8 March at Eurojust premises in The Hague

2025

Western Balkans Criminal Justice project and EUIPO join forces against IP crime at Alicante meetings

WBCJ Project Organises the Regional Environmental Crime Conference in North Macedonia

Western Balkan investigators and prosecutors gather in Warsaw to discuss crypto-assets and e-evidence challenges

Western Balkan and Latin American Prosecutors meet in Peru to strengthen cross-border cooperation

2024

SKY ECC peer-to-peer and EncroChat Evidence

On 2 July 2024 at Eurojust, the WBCJ Project organized a peer-to-peer exchange meeting between Western Balkan prosecutors and the French and Belgian Desks at Eurojust concerning SKY ECC and EncroChat evidence. The participants shared their experiences and lessons learned.

EU–Western Balkans Seminar on Foreign Terrorist Fighters and Core Crimes

On 29 May in Tirana, Albania, the WBCJ Project in close cooperation with the Genocide Network Secretariat and the EU Regional Advisor on Counter Terrorism/Security, organised a Seminar on EU and Western Balkan Experience on the Cumulative Prosecution of Foreign Terrorist Fighters and female returnees for terrorism related offences and core international crimes, which was attended by almost 60 participants from the Western Balkans and beyond.

Joint Investigation Teams in Migrant Smuggling: EU–Western Balkans Cooperation Seminar

On 14-15 February 2024 at Eurojust, the WBCJ Project, together with the EU4FAST Project and the SCOPE Project, co-organised a seminar on cooperation between Police and Judicial Authorities within Joint Investigation Teams (JITs) in Migrant Smuggling Cases with an Exchange of Best Practices between EU and Western Balkans Practitioners.

Joint Meeting of the EJN Contact Points in the Western Balkans and the WBCJ Project Contact Group Members (Vienna, February)

On 1 February 2024 in the premises of the Ministry of Justice in Vienna, Austria, the WBCJ Project in cooperation with the European Judicial Network (EJN), organised the Joint Meeting of the EJN Contact Points in the Western Balkans and the WBCJ Project Contact Group Members, which aimed at outlining the support available to the Western Balkan authorities, and explained the differences between the EJN and the WBCJ Project.

2023

Regional Seminar on JITs in Migrant Smuggling Cases

On 6 July 2023 in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the project organised the Regional Seminar on JITs in Migrant Smuggling Cases. This seminar was organised jointly with the JITs Network Secretariat and the Focus Group on Migrant Smuggling at Eurojust. It was the first event organised by the Project in the region and it was attended by more than 50 participants, including prosecutors and law enforcement officers from the six Western Balkans partners. The aim of the seminar was to introduce the JITs Network Secretariat, as well as highlighting the benefits of joining the Focus Group on Migrant Smuggling. The seminar included a section on case studies, during which EU prosecutors presented successful joint investigations teams.

Webinar on SKY ECC

On 26 June 2023, the project organised a Webinar on Admissibility of Evidence Obtained from SKY ECC and Encrochat Networks, in cooperation with the European Judicial Cybercrime Network (EJCN), gathering more than 300 participants.

JITs Trainings & Winter Academies

As part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen cross-border cooperation and judicial coordination, the Western Balkans Criminal Justice Project has regularly delivered specialized training programmes in collaboration with the JITs Network Secretariat and the Academy of European Law (ERA). These trainings aim to enhance the capacities of prosecutors and investigators from the Western Balkans by focusing on the establishment and functioning of Joint Investigation Teams (JITs), the Eurojust JITs Funding Programme, and key legal and procedural aspects of international cooperation. Participants benefit from expert-led sessions, practical simulations, and interactive workshops covering topics such as mutual legal assistance, asset recovery, money laundering, and human rights in cross-border proceedings.

List of trainings

1-4 July 2025 - Second Edition of Joint Investigation Teams Training, ERA, Trier, Germany

4-6 December 2024 - Winter Academy on Judicial Cooperation in Cross-Border Organised Crime, ERA, Trier, Germany

3-5 July 2024 - Training on Joint Investigation Teams for Western Balkan prosecutors and investigators, Eurojust

Other trainings

WBCJ Project Supports Regional Training on Countering Online Radicalisation

From 7 to 11 July 2025, the CEPOL WB PaCT II and CT INFLOW projects, with the support of the Eurojust WBCJ Project, organised a regional training in Vienna on Countering Online Radicalisation – Detection, Investigation, and Prosecution.

The training brought together intelligence analysts, law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and judges from the Western Balkans and MENA region. The programme aimed to enhance participants' capabilities in counterterrorism investigations, with a focus on digital evidence, online threats, and extremist content. Expertise from Eurojust contributed insights on international judicial cooperation, relevant legal frameworks, and the cross-border handling of digital evidence in terrorism-related cases.

JITs funding for the Albanian National Bureau of Investigation and Special Anti-Corruption Structure

On 25 October 2023 in Tirana, Albania, the project in close cooperation with the JITs Network Secretariat organised a training on JITs funding for the Albanian National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and Special Anti-Corruption Structure (SPAK). The training focused on the Eurojust JITs Funding Programme and the related reimbursement procedures.

Second Consultative Forum of Western Balkan Chief Prosecutors in Tirana

On 17 June 2025 in Tirana, Albania, the WBCJ Project, in cooperation with the General Prosecution Office of Albania, organised the second Consultative Forum of General and Special Chief Prosecutors of the Western Balkan region. The forum brought together all six Western Balkan authorities to exchange on common challenges and reaffirm their commitment to regional cooperation in the fight against organised crime.

First Consultative Forum of Western Balkan Chief Prosecutors in Budva

On 6 June 2024 in Budva, Montenegro, the WBCJ Project, in cooperation with the Supreme State Prosecution Office of Montenegro, organised the first Consultative Forum of General and Special Chief Prosecutors of the Western Balkan region. The forum gathered all six Western Balkan authorities, reaffirming their support in the fight against organised crime. The press release from this meeting can be accessed via this link.

Meeting of the Focus Group subgroup Western Balkans

Between 18 and 20 September 2024, the Focus Group Subgroup on the Western Balkans held its first in-person meeting in Podgorica, Montenegro, to build trust and foster collaboration on migrant smuggling issues. The event addressed key operational and legal challenges, enhancing cooperation between participating countries and EU agencies. Eurojust highlighted its support role, and plans were announced for the next meeting alongside the Annual Meeting on Migrant Smuggling in November 2024.

2nd Meeting of the Focus Group Subgroup Western Balkans in Sarajevo

From 11 to 13 June 2025, the Focus Group Subgroup on the Western Balkans held its second in-person meeting in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, further strengthening cooperation on migrant smuggling investigations across the region. Organised with the support of the Western Balkans Criminal Justice Project and EU4FAST, the event brought together practitioners from law enforcement and judicial authorities to discuss recent operational developments and legal challenges. Participants also visited key institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina to learn about local efforts against migrant smuggling.

Albania

On 30 May 2024 in Tirana, Albania, the project organised the Outreach Event for practitioners in Albania, which gathered a large number of prosecutors. The meeting outlined the support available to their investigations through Eurojust and the WBCJ Project.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

On 24 October 2024, Eurojust and the WBCJ Project held an outreach event in Jahorina, Bosnia and Herzegovina, bringing together prosecutors from all judicial levels, SIPA representatives, EJN Contact Points, and EU partners. The event aimed to clarify the roles of Eurojust and the WBCJ Project in supporting cross-border investigations. Case studies highlighted JITs on human trafficking with France and social welfare fraud with Sweden. The meeting also promoted stronger cooperation with national stakeholders.

Kosovo^*

On 20 March 2024 in Pristina, Kosovo*, another promotional meeting was held, namely, the Outreach Event for practitioners in Kosovo*. The meeting gathered several practitioners, and focused on outlining the support available to them through Eurojust and the WBCJ Project.

Montenegro

Back-to-back on 28 September 2023 in Budva, Montenegro, the project organised the Outreach Event for Montenegrin practitioners in cooperation with the European Judicial Network (EJN) and the JITs Network Secretariat. The meeting focused on promoting Eurojust and the WBCJ Project, outlining the support available for Montenegrin practitioners.

North Macedonia

On 19 March 2024 in Skopje, North Macedonia, the project continued with the series of promotional events, and organised the Outreach Event for Macedonian practitioners. The meeting focused on promoting Eurojust and the WBCJ Project, presenting the support available for North Macedonia.

Serbia

On 26 September 2024, Eurojust and the WBCJ Project held an Outreach Event in Belgrade, Serbia, gathering over 90 Chief Prosecutors, EJN Contact Points, and EU representatives. The event focused on clarifying the roles of Eurojust and the WBCJ Project in supporting cross-border investigations in the Western Balkans. Case studies on Serbia-Bosnia parallel investigations and JIT with Germany showcased practical cooperation. A panel on cybercrime addressed challenges in digital cross-border crime.

Regional Consultative Meeting on Outreach Strategies

On 28 September 2023 in Budva, Montenegro, the project organised the Regional Consultative Meeting on Outreach Strategies, which brought together Contact Group Members, Liaison Prosecutors and Eurojust Contact Points in the Western Balkans, to develop a promotional strategy of Eurojust and the WBCJ Project in the region.

The launching conference took place on 15 May 2023 at Eurojust premises, in The Hague. It marked the end of the inception phase and the official start of the project operational activities. The conference was attended by four Ministers of Justice, one Secretary of State, and four State Prosecutors from the Western Balkan partners, along with representatives from the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Justice and Consumers (DG JUST), the Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations (DG NEAR) and the Swedish Presidency of the Council of the European Union. At this conference, the authorities of the six Western Balkan partners reaffirmed their full commitment to the project at the highest level. A press release was published on the Eurojust website and translated into the languages of the Western Balkan partners.

Tools for practitioners

The Western Balkans Criminal Justice project cooperates with the European Judicial Network (EJN) in developing content for Western Balkans judicial practitioners, in their respective languages.

News and publications

News

Special training in Albania equips investigators, prosecutors and judges to trace and prosecute crypto crimes

06 November 2025|NEWS

Eurojust contributes to regional efforts to combat cross border crime at 4th Forum of Prosecutors General of the Balkan States

07 October 2025|NEWS

International human trafficking ring rolled up in Albania and Colombia

03 October 2025|PRESS RELEASE