The collaboration between the Ministry of Interior (MUP) and the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (FRONTEX) focuses on border protection and enhancing European security standards.

This was revealed during a meeting between Petar Koprivica, the State Secretary of the Ministry, and Denis Knauer, the FRONTEX Regional Coordinator for the Western Balkans.

According to the Ministry of Interior, Koprivica noted that joint operations not only safeguard Montenegrin borders but also bolster the overall security of the region.

Koprivica mentioned that, following the agreement between Montenegro and the European Union (EU), 81 FRONTEX agents are currently deployed at the country’s borders, working side by side with Montenegrin border police officers.

“FRONTEX teams play a crucial role in collecting and analyzing data on movement routes, smuggling networks, and identifying individuals who pose a security threat, including smugglers, foreign fighters, and those linked to terrorism,” Koprivica highlighted.

He expressed satisfaction regarding the upcoming signing of a memorandum of understanding about complaint mechanisms related to FRONTEX’s operations.

“This document will enhance the institutional framework for cooperation and further protect human rights throughout all stages of border procedures,” Koprivica stated.

He also informed his counterparts that the Government adopted the Integrated Border Management Strategy for 2025-2028 earlier this year, further solidifying the commitment of institutions to align the national system with modern European standards.

Knauer emphasized Montenegro’s status as a dependable partner and noted that cooperation with Montenegrin institutions serves as a model in the region.

The Ministry of Interior reported that he presented two key initiatives currently underway in cooperation with FRONTEX: the first aims to strengthen the capabilities of the Border Police Sector, while the second focuses on managing migration flows.

“Knauer expressed his readiness to offer additional support to the Ministry of the Interior, particularly in improving the knowledge and skills of police personnel and enhancing technical equipment, all to strengthen existing cooperation for more efficient border control in Montenegro,” the statement read.

Tijana Šuković, Acting Director General of the Directorate for International Cooperation, European Integration and Projects, pointed out that border security and migration management are vital elements of negotiating Chapter 24 – Justice, Freedom, and Security.

She emphasized that cooperation with FRONTEX is a significant contribution towards meeting the final benchmarks and progressing Montenegro on its European path.

The meeting also included FRONTEX Liaison Officer for the Western Balkans, Bogdan Živaljević, and Liselot Isakson, the Deputy Head of the Cooperation Sector at the EU Delegation to Montenegro.