International peace envoy in Bosnia and Herzegovina, High Representative Christian Schmidt, welcomed the decision of the Bosnian state government to approve the opening of negotiations with the European border and coast guard agency, Frontex.

He expressed satisfaction that the idea of using Frontex at the borders of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which he had already discussed in November 2019 at a meeting he had on behalf of the German Government to assist BiH with the huge number of migrants, with the then Presidency members Milorad Dodik, Sefik Dzaferovic and Zeljko Komsic, starts now to come to a realization.

“Enhanced border security, achieved through partnership and collaboration with EU institutions, would represent an important step on BiH’s accession path and a clear demonstration of strengthened commitment to a safer and more secure future,” he said.

This week, Bosnia’s Council of Ministers reached a consensus on the text of the agreement with Frontex, which is one of the key conditions set by the European Commission on the country's EU membership path.