SARAJEVO, August 25 (FENA) – Nearly a year after Frontex launched its first full-scale operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, 130 officers of the European Border and Coast Guard Agency are currently deployed alongside eight Border Police of Bosnia and Herzegovina units, taking part in border checks, state border surveillance and screening together with local police officers.
The deployment followed the Status Agreement between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the European Union, signed in June 2025, which expanded cooperation that had previously focused on smaller deployments, training and exchanges of experience into joint operational activities on the ground.
The first full-scale Frontex operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina began on October 31, 2025, with more than 100 Frontex officers. Their number was increased to 130 this year.
For Bosnia and Herzegovina, located along the Western Balkan migration route, the agreement also enables Frontex teams to operate along the country’s borders, including areas bordering non-EU countries. This has significantly expanded the operational framework for cooperation on migration management and combating cross-border crime.
The Border Police of Bosnia and Herzegovina told FENA that implementation of the agreement so far has been positive and represents a significant step toward strengthening the agency’s capacities and the country’s integrated border management system.
The 130 Frontex officers are currently deployed alongside eight Border Police units: Sarajevo Airport, Doljani, Trebinje, Hum, Višegrad, Zvornik, Orašje and Velika Kladuša.
Frontex officers conduct second-line border checks, state border surveillance and screening activities together with their Bosnian counterparts. The agency also says its officers assist in combating cross-border crime and improving information exchange, while stressing that the operation is led and commanded by the Border Police of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
”Our officers work under its command and coordination and have a supporting role,” Frontex told FENA.
Frontex describes cooperation with the Border Police as a long-term process that began with smaller deployments and joint training before gradually expanding through formal agreements. The Status Agreement signed in June 2025 enabled the transition to a full-scale operation.
According to the agency, cooperation on the ground is strong and developing in a positive direction.
The number of Frontex officers was increased during 2026 compared with the previous year, although the Border Police currently does not plan any further increase by the end of the year. Frontex does not disclose the exact number of officers deployed at individual units or their precise distribution by location.
Among the more notable results so far, the Border Police highlights the detection of irregular migrants, forged documents and cases involving the smuggling of goods and vehicles.
Across the wider Western Balkan route, Frontex has recorded a continued decline in irregular migration. According to data provided to FENA, detections on the route fell by around 42 percent in 2025, while the number of irregular crossings of the EU’s external borders was down 37 percent in the first half of 2026.
These figures, however, cover wider migration flows and cannot be directly attributed to the joint operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Frontex’s operational presence in the country has meanwhile expanded from the state borders and Sarajevo International Airport to a number of border crossings. The agency has particularly identified the border with Serbia as an area exposed to significant migration pressure.
Cooperation has also expanded to technical support. During the visit of Frontex Executive Director to Bosnia and Herzegovina in June, two agreements were signed on the transfer of IT equipment to the Border Police, one for the National Coordination Centre and another for border-check activities.
Frontex is also providing document readers and access to certain European Union systems and tools.
The institutional framework for cooperation is developing as well. In June, the Ministry of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Frontex signed a Memorandum of Understanding on a complaints mechanism, while a Letter of Intent on cooperation was signed with EUFOR Althea.
Frontex says any further steps or expansion will be agreed with the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina based on developments on the ground and operational needs, with the public to be informed once concrete plans are in place.
By the end of 2026, Border Police representatives are expected to continue meetings with Frontex and finalize and adapt the Operational Plan for the joint ”Bosnia and Herzegovina 2027” operation.
