The United Kingdom and Denmark Deepen Cooperation on Regional Migration Governance
18.2.2026 16:41:12 CET | British Embassy Copenhagen | Press release
The new partnership strengthens joint UK-Denmark efforts to support safe, orderly and rights‑based migration management across the Western Balkans.
• UK contributes approx. 25.7 million DKK to Denmark’s Regional Migration Governance Programme in 2025-2026.
• Joint efforts will enhance migration management including integrated border management, Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration; access to labour markets for refugees and migrants and countering migrant smuggling and combat human trafficking.
• Overall, the programme runs until 2030 and in the West Balkans region it is implemented in partnership with IOM, GIZ and the Danish Institute of Human Rights (DIHR).
The United Kingdom and Denmark have agreed to strengthen their strategic cooperation on migration governance through a new partnership focused on supporting regional migration governance in the Western Balkans in FY25-26. The partnership is formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed today at the British Embassy Copenhagen. Under the MoU, Denmark serves as the lead donor and the UK participates as a co-donor through a delegated cooperation arrangement.
A Coordinated Response to Shared Migration Challenges
Both Denmark and the United Kingdom recognise that effective migration management depends on international cooperation and shared responsibility.
The strengthened partnership builds on Denmark’s long‑standing regional presence, robust programme infrastructure, government-to-government partnerships and whole of government approach, combined with the UK’s targeted investment and policy commitment to addressing migration challenges in collaboration with trusted partners.
What the Programme Delivers
As part of the agreement, the UK will contribute approx. 25.7 million DKK to Denmark’s Regional Migration Governance Programme for Türkiye and the Western Balkans. The Regional Migration Governance Programme (RMGP-TWB) aims to enhance safe, orderly, and rights-based migration governance in Türkiye and the Western Balkans by strengthening national and regional systems, capacities, and cooperation mechanisms in line with international human rights standards.
The Danish‑UK partnership focuses on three core areas:
- Strengthening border and migration management
- Enhancing access to labour markets for refugees and migrants
- Combating human trafficking and migrant smuggling
Implementation in the Western Balkans region is carried out by established international organisations, including the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and other specialised partners with long‑standing experience in the field.
The UK’s financial contribution is earmarked for activities in the Western Balkans, where migration pressures continue to affect local communities and national authorities.
How the Partnership Functions
Under the MoU, Denmark manages the programme on behalf of all donors. This partnership reduces administrative burdens while ensuring full transparency, oversight and influence for each participating donor.
The cooperation includes:
- Annual donor meetings to review progress, budgets and work plans
- Regular reporting on programme activities, financial management and any cases of irregularities
- Joint consultations before any major programme adjustments
- Clear accountability and anti‑corruption safeguards
The arrangement also provides flexibility, allowing donors to adjust contributions or take further measures if political or operational circumstances in the region change.
Contacts
Stine Delfs Larsen
stine.larsen@fcdo.gov.ukImages
British Embassy Copenhagen
We maintain and develop relations between the UK and Denmark, working across a range of political, cultural, commercial, and security issues of interest to our countries. We also provide consular assistance to British nationals living in Denmark.
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