European police officers and senior immigration officials are meeting tomorrow to discuss the possibility of sending specialised teams to work in the borders of Bosnia-Herzegovina and Croatia.
The experts, from 12 European countries including France, Denmark, Greece and Germany, are following up a joint proposal made by the UK and Italy last month.
Detecting forgeries, gathering intelligence and providing training for officials over a period of 12 months has been welcomed by the governments of both Bosnia-Herzegovina and Croatia.
Immigration Minister Ms Barbara Roche, who will give the opening address at the meeting in London, said the proposal must complement rather than duplicate the work already being carried out in the area.
She said: "The positive response of so many governments in participating in this meeting is recognition that it demands a concerted response from the whole of the EU.
"This response needs to translate into decisive, practical action on the ground."
She continued: "It is clear we need to think beyond our own borders to make a difference in this area of crime. These countries are often caught in a difficult position.
PA