Border management agreement signed by Montenegro and European Union

 Mevludin Nuhodzic(left) and Dimitris Avramopoulos  

 The European Union has signed an agreement with Montenegro on border management of migrant flows in the Balkans, this is the fifth Balkan accord.

EU border agency Frontex has signed an agreement with Montenegro for joint operations in the management of migratory peaks and EU external borders. The news was announced by EU Commissioner for Migration Dimitris Avramopoulos and Montenegrin Interior Minister Mevludin Nuhodzic.

The agreement provides for the presence of Frontex teams in the territory of Montenegro. "It's another important step in our security co-operation," Avramopoulos said. He said Montenegro will remain responsible for protecting its borders, but Frontex can assist local authorities, particularly in managing migratory flows. He said Podgorica is "a part of the EU family and this agreement is a further proof of this."

Nuhodzic said the agreement would contribute to improving border security and the common fight against illegal immigration. "Today we further strengthen our cooperation," he said. "We are providing a more efficient cross-border crime flight," he said, adding that Montenegro is fully committed to EU security policies.