EU and Bosnia Sign Deal to Let Border Guard Teams Work Inside Bosnia

What the document is about
The European Union wants to sign a formal agreement with Bosnia and Herzegovina so that the EU Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) can send teams to the country’s borders. The aim is to help control irregular migration, protect human rights and support Bosnia and Herzegovina’s border police.

How the problem is being solved

• The EU will conclude a “status agreement” based on Regulation (EU) 2019/1896.
• The agreement allows Frontex teams to operate in Bosnia and Herzegovina, including at the 10 km zone inside the country and at border crossings.
• Operational plans will be agreed for each mission, covering tasks, powers, equipment, data protection, and respect for fundamental rights.
• The agreement gives Frontex staff special privileges and immunities, and sets rules for data sharing, complaints, and the handling of injured or deceased staff.
• The EU will also encourage similar agreements with the Schengen‑associated countries (Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, Liechtenstein) and clarifies that Ireland and Denmark are not bound by the decision.

What changes as a result of this document

• A formal, legally binding framework is created for EU border teams to work in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
• The agreement is provisional from the date of signature and will become fully effective after ratification by both parties.
• It introduces new rules on operational conduct, data protection, fundamental‑rights monitoring, and the handling of incidents.
• It gives the EU and Bosnia and Herzegovina clear procedures for suspending, terminating or withdrawing funding for missions if conditions are not met.
• The agreement is indefinite in duration but can be suspended or terminated by written notice, with a two‑month notice period.
• The EU will monitor implementation and report on compliance, while Bosnia and Herzegovina will implement the agreement through its Border Police.