SARAJEVO, Dec 18 - Bosnia and Herzegovina has initialled an agreement with the European Union's border agency Frontex, aimed at providing technical assistance and deploying EU guards to enhance border control and combat illegal migration and cross-border crime.
Officials anticipate that the final agreement will be signed following approval from the central government and parliament. Bosnia is one of the last countries in the Western Balkans to formalize such an arrangement, joining Kosovo in this regard.
Each year, thousands from the Middle East, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and North Africa utilize the Balkan route, which traverses Turkey, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, and Serbia, to reach wealthier Western nations.
Security Minister Nenad Nesic stated, "The agreement with Frontex is proof that Bosnia and Herzegovina is fully integrated into the European system of collective security." He emphasized that once formalities are completed and Frontex forces are deployed, citizens can expect improved security, reflecting a commitment to combat organized crime.
Under a 2019 EU regulation, Frontex is authorized to assist countries with which it has agreements, enabling them to conduct border checks and register individuals.
Bosnia shares borders with EU member Croatia, as well as Serbia and Montenegro, both of which have already signed agreements with Frontex.