Bosnia and Herzegovina has taken a major step toward EU integration by signing a deal with the European Union to strengthen border control and combat illegal migration.

The deal, signed by Borjana Kristo, chairwoman of Bosnia's Council of Ministers, and EU Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner, marks a significant step in Bosnia’s path toward EU membership.

Kristo’s office hailed the agreement as a milestone, positioning Bosnia as a credible partner in securing the EU’s external borders — a key requirement for advancing its candidacy. Until now, Bosnia and Kosovo were the only Western Balkan states without such an arrangement with the EU’s border agency, Frontex.

The Balkan migration route — used by thousands from the Middle East, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and North Africa — passes through several countries en route to Western Europe. Frontex’s expanded presence allows for stricter border checks and migrant registration processes.

The EU noted that such cooperation has already contributed to a decline in illegal border crossings, with the trend continuing into 2025.

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