The European Union has recently signed a cooperation agreement with Serbia in order to enhance their efforts in managing borders and tackling irregular migration. This agreement allows the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) to work more closely with Serbia, particularly in supporting the Serbian border police in fighting crime, migrant smuggling, and irregular migration. This partnership is seen as crucial in managing migration routes, with Serbia being an important partner in this regard. The agreement is expected to upgrade the cooperation between Frontex and Serbian authorities in border management.
The signing of this operational cooperation agreement marks a significant milestone in the relationship between the EU and Serbia in managing border security. Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson emphasized the importance of Serbia as a partner in this area, praising the good cooperation between Serbian border police and Frontex in combating various challenges. With this agreement, Frontex will be able to provide support to the Serbian border police and law enforcement at the borders with Bosnia Herzegovina and North Macedonia. This collaboration is crucial in addressing cross-border crime and irregular migration in the region.
This agreement is Serbia’s second collaboration with Frontex, indicating the country’s commitment to effectively managing its borders and addressing security challenges. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Ivica Dacic highlighted that police forces will be deployed not only on the state borders with Hungary and Bulgaria but also on the state borders of Serbia with third countries. This deployment is expected to contribute significantly to the fight against cross-border crime and irregular migration. The joint efforts between Frontex and Serbian authorities are aimed at enhancing border security and ensuring effective management of migration routes.
Frontex currently has over 480 officers deployed in the Western Balkans region, working on joint operations at the external borders of the Union with Albania, North Macedonia, and Montenegro. This includes 111 officers already deployed in Serbia under a previous status agreement, primarily at the border with Hungary and Bulgaria as part of operation “Serbia Mainland.” The ongoing joint operations are part of a broader strategy to strengthen border security and address various security threats in the region. The additional deployment of police forces in Serbia is expected to further enhance the efficiency of border management efforts in fighting crime and irregular migration.
The cooperation agreement between the EU and Serbia signifies a continued commitment to working together to address security challenges in the Western Balkans region. This partnership is crucial in enhancing border security, combating crime, and addressing irregular migration effectively. The collaboration between Frontex and Serbian authorities under the new agreement is expected to strengthen their joint efforts in managing migration routes and ensuring the safe and secure movement of people. By working together, both parties aim to create a more secure and stable environment in the region, promoting cooperation and coordination in tackling common security challenges.
In conclusion, the operational cooperation agreement between the EU and Serbia represents a significant step towards enhancing border security and addressing irregular migration in the Western Balkans region. The partnership between Frontex and Serbian authorities is expected to strengthen their joint efforts in combating crime, migrant smuggling, and irregular migration, ultimately contributing to the overall security and stability of the region. By working together closely, both parties aim to tackle security challenges effectively and ensure the safe and secure movement of people across borders. This cooperation is essential in managing migration routes and addressing security threats in the region, promoting collaboration and coordination in creating a more secure environment for all.
