23–24 April 2026, Podgorica, Montenegro

Public administration representatives from across the Western Balkans gathered in Podgorica for a Regional Workshop on Migration Statistics Harmonization among MARRI Participants, aimed at enhancing the quality, comparability, and alignment of migration data with EU standards.

The workshop opened with joint remarks from representatives of MARRI, ReSPA, and IOM, highlighting the critical role of reliable and harmonized migration statistics in evidence-based policymaking and regional cooperation.

Through this initiative, ReSPA supported the capacity building and technical readiness of civil servants across the region, contributing directly to alignment with key areas of the European Union acquis—particularly Chapters 24 (Justice, Freedom and Security) and 18 (Statistics).

A key focus of the first day was the exchange of best practices in international protection statistics, where participants explored practical approaches to identifying and addressing data gaps within their respective administrations.

The workshop also featured expert input on Eurostat standards and EU methodologies, delivered by a specialist from the Italian National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT). These sessions provided participants with concrete guidance on aligning national statistical frameworks with EU practices, ensuring greater consistency and comparability of migration data across the region.

The second day shifted towards practical implementation, beginning with a recap of key insights and moving into action-oriented discussions. Participants worked collaboratively on action planning for strengthening migration statistics harmonisation and enhancing regional cooperation.

A dedicated peer-to-peer exchange session allowed representatives from MARRI administrations to present their experiences, challenges, and solutions, fostering mutual learning and reinforcing regional collaboration.

By combining expert guidance, practical exchange, and collaborative planning, the workshop marked an important step forward in aligning regional migration statistics with EU standards - supporting more effective policymaking and strengthening cooperation across the region.