EU signs agreement with Serbia to strengthen collaboration in migration and border management

On 25 June 2024, the EU and Serbia signed an agreement on operational cooperation in border management with the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex).

The agreement signed in Belgrade, by Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson and Serbian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Ivica Dačić, will increase cooperation between Frontex and Serbia. It will also allow Frontex to carry out joint operations and deploy the European Border and Coast Guard standing corps anywhere on the territory of Serbia, including its borders with neighbouring non-EU countries. The strengthened cooperation will address irregular migration and further enhance security in the region. Details of individual operations based on this agreement will be agreed directly between Frontex and the national authorities of Serbia in an operational plan.

The agreement delivers on the objectives of the EU Action Plan on the Western Balkans presented by the Commission in December 2022.

Next steps

Now, the agreement will need to receive the consent of the European Parliament and then to be adopted by the Council. Once it enters into force, members of the European Border and Coast Guard Standing Corps can be deployed across Serbia, including at the non-EU borders, subject to a request by Serbia.

Find out more:

Press release

Frontex Status Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Serbia