Coordinated Resolving of Cross-Border Criminal Activities as a Determinant in the Process of Further Western Balkans Integration - Case Study: Serbia and North Macedonia

Gjurovski, Marjan and Arnaudov, Mitko (2025) Coordinated Resolving of Cross-Border Criminal Activities as a Determinant in the Process of Further Western Balkans Integration - Case Study: Serbia and North Macedonia. In: Thematic Conference Proceedings of International Significance / XIV International scientific conference “Archibald Reiss Days”, Belgrade, November 7–8, 2024. University of Criminal Investigation and Police Studies, Belgrade, pp. 13-21. ISBN 978-86-7020-524-6; 978-86-7020-190-3

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Abstract

Purpose Purpose of the paper is to reach out how much resolving cross-border crime activities contribute de jure, but primarily de facto regional integration within the Western Balkans. States and political entities within the region are facing similar cross-border criminal activities, including illegal migration, human trafficking, drug routes, illegal weapons trafficking which in a huge manner defines the security mosaic on the field. Authors will try to, through the level of cooperation in resolving above mentioned challenges, asses the contribution in the process of regional integration. Design/Methods/Approach Research relies on analysis, where content analysis, functional analysis, comparative analysis and structural-functional analysis will be applied. It is also planned to use synthesis, abstraction, deduction and induction in combination with rational choice techniques. The classification will be used when creating a typology of effective and ineffective state mechanisms in the field observed in the research, in accordance with the previous analysis. At the end, in the conclusions and recommendations chapter will be used prediction, as a method that will enable authors to propose potential mechanisms for further regional integration, based on the necessity of cooperation in resolving cross-border criminal activities. Findings Regional integration within Western Balkans, on the case study of bilateral relations between Serbia and North Macedonia, is based on political will. Authors have reached the same findings in the process of resolving cross-border criminal activities. Concretely, if there is clear political will, the cooperation will be concrete and effective. On the other hand, without political interest, de jure cooperation and integration within the resolving cross-border criminal activities field will not be visible on the ground. Originality/Value Analyzing the contribution of cooperation in the process of resolving cross-border criminal activities to the regional integration in the context of Western Balkans provides double scientific originality: first, in the theory of regionalism this paper offers explanation of the role of cross-border criminal activities in the contemporary processes of regional cooperation and integration; second, on practical level, it proposes mechanisms for potential intensified cooperation in resolving mentioned crime challenges, released of potential obstacles on political level.

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