In 2015, as a consequence of the "Arab Spring" and the events that followed, the number of irregular migrants wanting to enter the EU began to increase, to which Europe was not prepared for. The EU Member States soon realized that the successful management of the increased number of irregular migrants required additional measures and specifically closer cooperation between the EU and the transit countries, including those of the Western Balkans. One of the main elements of this cooperation includes providing support to these countries in managing irregular migration and transferring EU standards and practices onto them. This can be done through rescue or other types of operations, introduction of various standards or by combating specific forms of serious and organised crime related to irregular migration, such as human trafficking and smuggling. Through this approach the EU aims to improve the management of irregular migration in transit countries thereby reducing migratory pressure on the EU itself. The master's thesis examines some of the mechanisms of irregular migration management in Europe and shows the connection between these mechanisms in the Western Balkans and EU security. Furthermore, it examines the effects of the joint police operation "DRINO I" as one of the practical forms of EU’s externalization of irregular migration management and as a tool for knowledge transfer and implementation of EU practices in the Western Balkans, through which it aims to strengthen regional cooperation and improve irregular migration management, consequently enhancing the security of the EU.
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