Marichikj: Frontex agreement in final stage, to be signed in October
Skopje, 22 September 2022 (MIA) – Deputy PM for European Affairs Bojan Marichikj told Thursday the explanatory screening meeting on Chapter 24-Justice, Freedom and Security that North Macedonia’s agreement with the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) would be signed soon.
“I am satisfied that the negotiations over the Frontex agreement have been completed and we will soon sign this important treaty, in Macedonian language, in the attendance of European Commission for Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson,” said Deputy PM Marichikj.
According to him, the agreement represents a step towards better management of borders and irregular migration, which is in the common interest of both North Macedonia and the European Union, as proven during the 2015 migrant crisis, the Secretariat for European Affairs said in a press release.
In the introductory remarks, the Deputy PM said the area of justice, freedom and security is of exceptional significance, considering the rising framework of common rules on issues such as border control, visas, migration, asylum, police cooperation, fight against organized crime, cooperation in the field of justice, customs cooperation and judicial cooperation in criminal and civil law.
“A professional, credible and efficient police organization is of great importance in the Union negotiations. Migration and border management policies are important for the country’s socio-economic development, as well as streamlining and controlling measures aimed at protecting the security of the country and its citizens,” said Marichikj.
Regarding achievements in the field of fight against organized crime, Marichikj said North Macedonia has taken part in a number of joint activities with EU member-states and neighboring countries, adding that the country has a broad specter of strategic documents at disposal, based on relevant EU strategic in many fields, reads the press release.