Archive
Tracking the Pact: EU seeks to seal off Balkan Route with expanded Frontex deployments
The European Commission wants to launch negotiations with Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Albania so that EU border agency Frontex can extend its zone of operations. Currently, Frontex operations in those states can only take place at the borders they share with EU member states, in accordance with the 2016 Frontex Regulation. Upgrading the EU's agreements with the Balkan states to take into account the powers granted to Frontex by the 2019 Regulation will make it possible to deploy EU border guards at non-EU borders - for example, between Bosnia and Serbia, or between Serbia and Montenegro. An agreement with North Macedonia has already been signed. The aim is to halt the irregular movement of people through the Balkans towards "core" EU member states. Read More
Frontex celebrates “expanding footprint” beyond the EU in report on third country cooperation
EU border agency Frontex is obliged to report annually to the European Parliament, European Commission and Council of the EU on its cooperation with non-EU countries. The 2021 report, obtained by Statewatch and published here, focuses on an expanding influence in the Western Balkans, information sharing, the expansion of the European Border Surveillance System (EUROSUR) to non-EU states, and deportations. Read More
Briefing: External action: Frontex operations outside the EU
The EU has negotiated five agreements with states in the Balkans that allow Frontex operations on their territories, and most of the agreements have now been approved by both sides. This briefing looks at the main provisions of those agreements, highlights key differences and similarities, and argues that they will likely serve as a template for future deals with states that do not border the EU, as made possible by the 2019 Regulation governing Frontex. Read More
Montenegro: Frontex launches second operation on non-EU territory
Frontex has launched its second executive operation in a state outside the EU, deploying officers in Montenegro on 15 July. Read More
EU support for “migration management” in the Western Balkans squarely focused on control measures
An internal Council survey of EU member states' assistance for Western Balkans countries shows that the emphasis is very clearly on migration control measures, with "the majority of bilateral support... provided in two areas, namely border management and combating the smuggling of migrants (over 50% of all MS activities)". Read More
EU: Border externalisation: European Parliament gives green light to Frontex operations in Serbia and Montenegro
The European Parliament has voted to approve two agreements allowing Frontex operations outside the EU: one between the EU and Serbia, and the other between the EU and Montenegro. Read More
EU: Border externalisation: European Parliament gives green light to Frontex operations in Serbia and Montenegro
The European Parliament has voted to approve two agreements allowing Frontex operations outside the EU: one between the EU and Serbia, and the other between the EU and Montenegro. Read More
EU: Border externalisation: Agreements on Frontex operations in Serbia and Montenegro heading for parliamentary approval
On 29 January the civil liberties committee of the European Parliament (LIBE) approved the conclusion of status agreements on the actions on the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) on the territory of two Read More
EU: Border externalisation: Agreements on Frontex operations in Serbia and Montenegro heading for parliamentary approval
On 29 January the civil liberties committee of the European Parliament (LIBE) approved the conclusion of status agreements on the actions on the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) on the territory of two Read More
Border management: EU signs agreement with Montenegro on European Border and Coast Guard cooperation
"Today, the European Union signed an agreement with Montenegro on border management cooperation between Montenegro and the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex).(...)" Read More