EC calls on member states to finalize Frontex with North Macedonia
Brussels, 26 September 2022 (MIA) – The European Commission has put forward a proposal for a Council decision on the signing of the agreement between the European Union and North Macedonia on activities carried out by Frontex in the Republic of North Macedonia, MIA’s Brussels correspondent reports.
The European Commission put forward the proposal for an agreement with the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, Frontex, on September 23 to the Council, i.e. the EU member states. The agreement has been blocked until now because Bulgaria didn’t agree with the use of the term "Macedonian language" in the text of the document.
According to the EC, the proposal will help strengthen the capacity of Frontex in the EU's closest neighborhood, by helping the country's authorities deal with irregular migration, combat smuggling and strengthen security at the EU's external borders.
The Commission mentions that the agreement with North Macedonia shall ensure that fundamental rights are fully respected.
The proposal now needs to be approved by EU member states for the agreement to be finalized and enter into force.
