Serbia and Frontex ink border protection deal for enhanced security measures
Tons of refugees swarmed to enter the EU via the Balkan path last year. Now, Serbia and Brussels are reaching a consensus that Frontex, the EU border patrol, will have enhanced authority within Serbia.
Following over a year of hard-fought discussions, Serbia has inked an accord with Frontex for mutual cooperation. As per the European Commission, "Boosting border protection across the entire migration route is crucial in decreasing unauthorized entries."
Consequently, Frontex can now initiate joint activities and deploy their own personnel on Serbian soil, even along borders with non-EU neighboring countries. Frontex already has over 480 officers posted at EU external borders in the Western Balkans.
The agreement was sealed by EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson and Serbia's Interior Minister Ivica Dačić. Dačić later addressed the press, stating that his nation was not only safeguarding its own borders but also ensuring the safety and stability of Europe as a whole. "That's why we need a unified approach and backing."
Serbia is an applicant for EU membership and sits on the so-called Balkan route, which countless migrants utilize to breach the European Union. As reported by Frontex, more than 100,000 individuals were detected on this route in the first ten months of the previous year alone. The Serbian authorities have continually faced accusations of mistreating migrants and forcing them back to neighboring countries – allegations they dismiss.
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The EU Commission firmly believes that strengthening border protection along the entire migration route, including the Balkan route, will help decrease unauthorized entries. This new deal between Serbia and Frontex allows Frontex to carry out joint activities and deploy its personnel on Serbian soil, even across borders with non-EU countries. Despite being an applicant for EU membership and facing accusations of mistreating refugees, Serbia's Interior Minister Ivica Dačić stressed the importance of ensuring the safety and stability of Europe as a whole.
