An agreement between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the European Union regarding operational activities by the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (FRONTEX) was initialled in BiH on Wednesday in Sarajevo.

Bosnia’s Security Minister Nenad Nesic hailed the event as a significant step toward EU integration, congratulating the Bosnian negotiating team for showcasing a “formula for success” for the country.

“Today’s initialling of the FRONTEX agreement is the result of our team's joint effort and was achieved unanimously. By adopting this approach—founded on mutual respect and responsibility—we have reached an agreement that benefits all citizens. This is not just a technical act but a testament to our commitment to strengthening security and advancing Bosnia and Herzegovina's path toward the EU,” Nesic said.

He emphasized that the agreement demonstrates Bosnia's full integration into the European collective security system and enhances trust, both within the country and with EU partners.

“When all formalities are complete and FRONTEX forces are deployed to our borders, our citizens can expect greater safety. This is another step forward in our fight against organized crime, proving that Bosnia and Herzegovina is a serious partner in safeguarding the security of the entire continent,” Nesic added.

He also noted that Bosnia is joining other Western Balkan countries that have previously signed similar agreements with FRONTEX.

The head of Bosnia's negotiation team with FRONTEX, Mirko Kupresakovic, highlighted the challenges of aligning the agreement's text with the operational activities FRONTEX will carry out in Bosnia and Herzegovina. He recalled that discussions began in March of this year and expressed hope that the agreement would soon be officially signed.

The agreement was initialled by Mirko Kupresakovic, who is also the director of the Border Police of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Henrik Nielsen, Director for Schengen, Borders, and Visas at the Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs of the European Commission.

This milestone marks significant progress on Bosnia's European integration journey, as well as in strengthening the operational partnership between FRONTEX and Bosnia's Border Police.

Following last year’s establishment of full cooperation with the EU Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (EUROPOL), Bosnia's Ministry of Security and police agencies have now made another crucial step toward integration into the European policing and security system.