The ministerial meeting in Zagreb discusses key security issues in the EU and the region.

The Ministerial Conference of the Salzburg Forum, held on 17-18 June in Zagreb, Croatia, brought together representatives of the EU Member States, European institutions and agencies, as well as guests from the Western Balkans and Moldova. Special guests at the event were European Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson and Europol Executive Director Catherine De Bolle.

Within the closed format for Member States, current issues such as the countries' preparation for the implementation of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, the priorities in the new EU Internal Security Strategy, and the strengthening of cooperation in combating environmental crimes were discussed. Common challenges faced by national migration and asylum management systems were shared, as well as solutions to overcome them through national-level coordination and implementation of the Pact's implementation plans.

The fight against illegal migration, drug trafficking, cybercrime and hybrid threats were identified as key priorities for internal security. The importance of cooperation with EU agencies and strengthening their role to effectively support Member States was emphasized. Regarding environmental crimes, it was noted that these are rapidly evolving crimes generating huge profits for organized crime, and specialized training of law enforcement is necessary.

In the expanded format with the Western Balkans, common priorities such as the fight against illegal migration and migrant smuggling along the Western Balkans route, countering drug trafficking and arms trafficking were discussed. The need for enhanced cooperation with Europol and Frontex, as well as aligning national legislation with European standards, especially regarding visa regimes, was underlined.

During the conference, Deputy Minister Popov presented the "Bulgaria in Schengen" honorary medals to the Ministers of Interior of Croatia and Slovenia, as well as to the Europol Executive Director, for their support for Bulgaria's full membership in the Schengen area.

The Salzburg Forum is an informal security cooperation initiative among nine EU Member States from Central and Eastern Europe, established in 2001. Its activities focus on coordinating positions in the EU, regional operational cooperation, and cooperation with third countries, including the Western Balkans and Moldova.