European Commission proposes greater role for Frontex in the Balkans European Commission proposes greater role for Frontex in the Balkans

The EU border protection force, Frontex, will play a greater role in the fight against unwanted migration across the Balkans, according to the European Commission. Brussels authorities recommended on Tuesday to negotiate with Albania, Serbia, Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina. It also approved financial support of EUR 39.2 million for border management in the region. This should mainly be used to purchase special equipment such as surveillance systems, drones and biometric devices.

The decision whether or not to start negotiations on an expanded Frontex mandate is now taken by the EU countries. Frontex officers are already deployed at the EU’s borders with Albania, Serbia and Montenegro, but not with Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, a new legal framework ensures that they can be used both at the EU border and at the borders with third countries and are also given more powers.

Migration through the Western Balkans to the EU had recently increased significantly. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wants to travel to the region for several days from Thursday. (saw/sda/dpa)