Brussels (TDI): Bosnia and Herzegovina has formalized a key agreement with the European Union aimed at strengthening its border security and curbing illegal migration, officials said Wednesday.
The deal, signed in Brussels by Borjana Kristo, Chairperson of Bosnia’s Council of Ministers, and EU Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner, marks a pivotal step in Sarajevo’s efforts to align more closely with EU standards.
According to a statement from Kristo’s office, the agreement enables the EU’s border agency, Frontex, to provide technical assistance and deploy personnel to help manage Bosnia’s borders.
The move is seen as a significant milestone in Bosnia’s journey toward EU integration.
Read More: Pakistan, Bosnia and Herzegovina To Enhance Bilateral Ties
“This is a major step forward on Bosnia and Herzegovina’s European path. It meets a crucial requirement set by the EU and affirms Bosnia as a reliable partner in protecting the Union’s external borders,” the statement read.
Bosnia, an EU candidate state yet to begin formal accession talks, had until now remained one of the few Western Balkan countries, alongside Kosovo, not to have formal cooperation with Frontex.
It serves as a main path to be used by immigrants traveling between the Middle East, South Asia and North Africa.
Read More: European commission recommends Bosnia and Herzegovina to join EU
They enter via Turkiye and move into Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Serbia and to Westen European countries.
Frontex’s mission entails an improved operation at Bosnia’s borders, as manned patrolling, identity checks and registration procedures are highly complemented.
Such cooperation, according to EU officials, has reduced illegal crossings of borders in recent years, and they note that the trend is continuing into 2025.
Farkhund Yousafzai is an Associate Editor at The Diplomatic Insight.
