The migration route through Bosnia and Herzegovina is currently the most attractive for those trying to enter the European Union illegally, making border security a priority, said European Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner, quoted by HINA, BTA reported.
Brunner, who visited Bosnia last week to open a new “Frontex“ mission, told the Bosnian daily “Nezavisne novine“ from Banja Luka that the country's stricter border controls have become crucial after smugglers have changed their routes to avoid intensified police operations in Serbia.
“Frontex“ has deployed officers to five other countries in the region, including Moldova, HINA said.
Brunner also said that cooperation with local police had already yielded results, breaking up numerous smuggling networks and improving border security. More than 100 “Frontex“ officers will monitor seven border crossings in Bosnia together with the country's border police.
Brunner stressed the need to “prevent new challenges, especially digital risks“, and said the EU and the Western Balkans were stepping up joint efforts to protect citizens and support the region's path to EU membership.
He said the EU's new entry-exit system was functioning effectively and would improve Schengen security, while measures had been put in place to deal with potential delays.
“Flexible mechanisms have been put in place to allow member states to respond adequately to potential difficulties“, he added, as quoted by HINA.