Overview: A Thematic Working Group Meeting in Sofia
From 6 to 7 October 2025, the Budapest Process convened its Thematic Working Group on Law Enforcement Cooperation in Sofia, co-chaired by Bulgaria and Iraq. The gathering drew 16 countries, bringing together 62 senior officials, practitioners, and experts to examine practical foundations and ingredients for successful cross-border cooperation in law enforcement. The event was hosted by the Budapest Process Secretariat, with the auspices of ICMPD in cooperation with Bulgaria’s Ministry of Interior, Iraq’s Prime Minister’s Advisor and National Security Advisor, Türkiye’s Ministry of Interior, and the European Commission Directorate General of Home Affairs.
Opening Panel: Shared Vision and Stakeholders
The opening plenary underscored the value of sustained, multilateral collaboration for effective law enforcement, migration management, and border protection. Representatives from Bulgaria’s Ministry of Interior, Iraq’s senior security leadership, Türkiye’s interior administration, the European Commission DG HOME, and the Budapest Process Secretariat highlighted the need for durable partnerships, joint standards, and practical roadmaps. The session set a collaborative tone for the two-day discussions and reinforced the importance of coordinated action in line with the Process’ overarching goals.
Key Themes: Training, Digitalisation, and Sustainable Capacity
Over two days, discussions centered on how to embed training within national institutions to achieve lasting sustainability and ownership of capacity development efforts. Participants emphasized that modernisation must go hand-in-hand with digitalisation, data-driven decision making, and interoperable systems. The dialogue explored how ongoing training can be aligned with national reform plans, ensuring that new competencies endure beyond project cycles and budgetary shifts. The emphasis on practical, operationalised learning reflected a commitment to translating dialogue into real-world effectiveness on the ground.
Risk Analysis Frameworks and Vulnerability Assessments
A second panel examined the evolution of risk-analysis frameworks and vulnerability-assessment tools designed to strengthen border operations and enhance protection for vulnerable groups. Delegates discussed best practices for identifying risk indicators, prioritising resource allocation, and integrating intelligence with frontline controls. The aim is to bolster border integrity while safeguarding the rights and safety of migrants and at-risk populations, in line with international standards.
COLEP: Shaping the Future Community of Law Enforcement Practitioners
A dedicated session looked at the future of the Community of Law Enforcement Practitioners (COLEP). Priorities for the next phase include targeted research, needs-based capacity development, and the development of data-sharing mechanisms. The discussion highlighted how COLEP can serve as a practical platform for peer learning, joint standards, and collaborative problem-solving across regional borders, reinforcing a culture of professional excellence.
Strategic Context: Call for Action 2025–2030 and the Silk Routes Roadmap
The meeting aligned with the Call for Action 2025–2030 endorsed at the 7th Ministerial Conference in 2024, specifically its priority goal to prevent irregular migration through coordinated action. The group concluded with a commitment to translate dialogue into operational practice by developing a Roadmap on Law Enforcement Cooperation. This roadmap concentrates on strengthening regional cooperation, raising professional standards, and enhancing collective preparedness along the Silk Routes, ensuring that cooperation remains resilient in a changing security landscape.
Outcomes and Next Steps
Participants agreed on concrete follow-up measures, including the establishment of milestones for regional information-sharing, joint training schedules, and a framework for shared risk assessments. The Roadmap will guide future collaborative activities, emphasizing practical implementation, accountability, and measurable improvements in border security and law enforcement cooperation across participating states.
Conclusion: Turning Dialogue into Practice
As the Thematic Working Group wrapped up, the emphasis remained clear: dialogue must translate into action. By strengthening regional cooperation, professional standards, and collective preparedness along key routes, the Budapest Process seeks to advance smarter, more human-centric law enforcement cooperation that can adapt to evolving threats and opportunities.
