The European Border and Coast Guard Agency in Montenegro (Frontex) will protect Montenegro’s borders with third countries (Albania, Kosovo, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina) in the future, and not only the areas on the common border with EU countries (Croatia and Italy) which has been the case so far. This is stated in the status agreement between Montenegro and the European Union on operational activities carried out by Frontex, which should be adopted by the EU Council, writes Pobjeda daily.
“Concerning the previous agreement in which assistance was provided to Montenegro in the area of border management and possible crisis situations related to the increased influx of migrants from the Middle East and conflict areas only on the common border with EU countries (Croatia and Italy), with the new agreement, the Council of the EU envisages wider competences of Frontex on the borders of Montenegro with third countries (Albania, Kosovo, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina) from where the largest influx of migrants and illegal crossings of the state border happens. The agreement also envisages joint operational activities between the Frontex teams and the Montenegrin Border Police,” the document suggests.
In the Status Agreement between Montenegro and the EU on operational activities carried out by Frontex, it is also stated that the Frontex team can be deployed on the territory of Montenegro, including its land, sea and air borders with other countries.
When it comes to powers of the Frontex team members, the agreement suggests that when performing their tasks and exercising their powers, the team members must comply with laws and other regulations of Montenegro and applicable Union and international law.
