Bosnia and Herzegovina signs crucial agreement with Frontex for border management
- A significant agreement was signed in Brussels between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Frontex to aid border management and security.
- The collaboration enables Frontex to deploy personnel with executive powers for operational support on the borders.
- This agreement is a critical step on Bosnia and Herzegovina's path toward EU membership amidst ongoing political challenges.
On June 11, 2025, an agreement was signed in Brussels between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, Frontex. The agreement, signed by Borjana Krišto, the Chairwoman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Magnus Brunner, the Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Issues, marks a critical advancement toward Bosnia and Herzegovina's aspiration for European Union membership. This cooperation aims to strengthen border management and security, particularly against illegal migration, reinforcing Bosnia and Herzegovina's role in the EU's security framework. EU support is essential to maintaining credibility in securing the EU's external borders and facilitating efficient management of migration flows in the region. The agreement allows Frontex to deploy officers with executive powers to assist local authorities in operations along Bosnia and Herzegovina’s borders. This move is seen as pivotal as it entails direct engagement with migration management and broader EU security challenges. Luigi Soreca, the head of the EU Delegation and EU Special Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina, affirmed that this agreement enhances capacity-building, including the provision of technical tools, personnel for monitoring borders, and access to EU data and expertise. Notably, this step occurs amidst Bosnia and Herzegovina's significant political crisis, which has previously hindered progress toward EU integration. Negotiations for this key agreement faced delays, reflecting the country’s complex political landscape. However, recent developments have removed obstacles that were blocking its adoption. Frontex already has similar agreements with other countries in the Western Balkans, suggesting a collaborative approach to managing migration issues in the region. The timing of this agreement is crucial, with illegal migration presenting ongoing challenges, and it comes at a moment when urgent political action is required to advance Bosnia and Herzegovina’s EU ambitions. Further importance is placed on joint operations with Frontex, which enhances the capacity to manage not only Bosnia and Herzegovina’s borders but also enables a united front against illegal crossings affecting the entire European continent. The Slovenian Ministry of the Interior welcomed the agreement, emphasizing its anticipated positive effect on border management through cooperative efforts with Frontex, ultimately contributing to the strategic aim of developing integrated border management across the region.