EU increases support for border and migration management in the Western Balkans
Ahead of President von der Leyen’s visit to the Western Balkans partners this week, the Commission adopted a recommendation to the Council to authorise the opening of negotiations for the upgrade of the European Border and Coast Guard Agency’s (Frontex) status agreements between the EU and Albania, Serbia, Montenegro, as well as with Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The upgraded Frontex status agreements will better support and strengthen cooperation on border and migration management in the Western Balkans, support in fighting smuggling and ensuring security in line with European best practices.
The Commission is also adopting today a new assistance package worth €39.2 million under the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA III) to strengthen border management in the Western Balkans.