Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The European Parliament has greenlighted a deal with Serbia that permits the European Union border agency Frontex to extend its operations within the country, including at its boundaries with non-EU nations.
Back in June 2024, the European Union and Serbia inscribed an agreement on operational collaboration in border control with the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex). The European Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson, along with the Serbian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Ivica Dačić, have inscribed the arrangement in Belgrade.
MEP Karlo Ressler stated on X:
“As a country on one of the most active migration routes and home to some of the most violent smuggling networks, Serbia has a special responsibility in the fight against illegal migration.
“Therefore, a stronger presence of the European Border Guard should contribute to the fight against illegal migration, better control of migrant movements, and the relief of the Croatian and European borders.”
European Parliament Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs also said on X:
“MEPs just greenlighted with +505/-90/43 abst. the conclusion of the new Status agreement in order to strengthen operational cooperation in border management between Frontex and MEP Karlo Ressler.”
What are the objectives of the agreement between the EU and Serbia?
This agreement was aimed at enhancing operational cooperation in managing migration and combating cross-border crime, reflecting the EU’s strategic approach to irregular migration along the Balkan route.
The irregular border crossing into the European Union in 2024 occurred at about 239,000 levels, largely via the Balkan route, to which several other regions seeking to enter Europe have gravitated. While border security partnerships between the European Union and a number of non-EU countries, among them Serbia, aim to build border security measures for the latter, it all goes within this greater framework that has been adopted.
How does the Balkan route affect EU migration policy?
In 2024, irregular border crossing into the EU from Serbia and the broader Balkan route was experiencing significant developments. The total number of irregular border crossings into the EU reached 239,000, down by 38% compared to 2023, marking a record low since 2021. This decrease can be attributed to increased cooperation along the Balkan route and improved border management strategies among countries.
