Western Balkans struggle to meet international human trafficking standards

A 2026 report from the U.S. Department of State indicates that while Western Balkan nations have made some progress against human trafficking, they still lack the effective mechanisms required to meet international standards for dismantling criminal activities.

In Kosovo, the report notes that although courts are issuing more prison sentences for traffickers, many remain below the legal minimum. Additionally, authorities have seen a decrease in the number of people prosecuted for trafficking compared to the previous year.

In Albania, the report highlights that police and prosecutors lack sufficient specialized experience and capacity for investigating and prosecuting trafficking cases. In North Macedonia, authorities have struggled with identifying victims, with only three victims identified in 2025 compared to 39 in 2024. The report also noted that local police sometimes deported potential victims without first verifying if they had been trafficked.

Other regional findings include Serbia and Montenegro failing to fully meet minimum standards, and Bosnia and Herzegovina lacking effective mechanisms to address the issue.