Bosnia Signs EU Border Security Deal to Combat Illegal Migration
SARAJEVO — Bosnia and Herzegovina has taken a significant step toward strengthening its European integration by signing a landmark agreement with the European Union to enhance border security and combat illegal migration and cross-border crime.
The agreement, signed Wednesday in Brussels by Borjana Kristo, Chairwoman of Bosnia’s Council of Ministers, and EU Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner, allows for the deployment of EU border guards and the provision of technical assistance by the EU’s border agency, Frontex.
“This agreement marks an important milestone on Bosnia’s path to European Union membership,” Kristo’s office stated. “Bosnia and Herzegovina has now fulfilled a critical EU requirement and established itself as a credible partner in securing the EU’s external borders.”
Although Bosnia is an official EU candidate country, it has yet to begin formal membership negotiations. Until now, it was the only Western Balkan nation — apart from Kosovo — that had not signed a cooperation arrangement with Frontex.
Strengthening EU Borders via the Balkan Route
Bosnia lies along the so-called Balkan migration route, which is used by thousands of migrants and refugees from the Middle East, North Africa, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. The route spans Turkey, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, and Serbia, and is commonly used by migrants heading to wealthier EU countries.
With this agreement, Frontex will be able to assist Bosnia with critical border control operations, including conducting border checks, registrations, and technical monitoring, enhancing Bosnia’s capacity to manage migratory flows and prevent illegal crossings.
The EU has credited increased collaboration with Western Balkan countries for a noticeable drop in illegal border crossings in recent years, with the trend continuing in 2025. The latest deal with Bosnia is expected to further tighten external EU border controls and ensure regional stability.
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