Brussels, 27 January 2025
The EU Council has today adopted a decision that allows the EU to sign an agreement with Bosnia and Herzegovina on operational activities being carried out by the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex).
The agreement will allow the EU and Bosnia and Herzegovina to organise joint operations involving Frontex border guards and border guards from Bosnia and Herzegovina. It also means that Frontex border management teams can be deployed in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and will allow Frontex to assist Bosnia and Herzegovina in managing migratory flows, countering illegal immigration and tackling cross-border crime.
Background
In order to fulfil its tasks, Frontex may carry out actions related to EU border management on the territory of a third country – subject to the agreement of that country.
Since the adoption of a new European Border and Coast Guard Agency regulation in 2019, Frontex staff may exercise executive powers in a third country, such as border checks and registration of persons.
In 2022, the Council authorised the opening of negotiations with four Western Balkan partners on Frontex cooperation. Since then, the EU has signed border management cooperation agreements with Serbia, North Macedonia and Montenegro.
Next steps
Once the European Parliament has given its consent to the agreement it can be finally concluded by the Council.