The agreement allows the European Border and Coast Guard Agency to coordinate operational cooperation between the EU Member States and Albania on the management of the EU’s external borders. Frontex will be able to take action at the external border involving one or more neighbouring EU members and Albania, including an intervention on Albanian territory, subject to Tirana’s prior authorisation.
Both the EU and Albania said the agreement aims to tackle irregular migration, particularly sudden changes in migratory flows, and cross-border crime.
“The migratory and security challenges do not stop at our external borders. Nor should we. A Europe that protects is a Europe that works together with partner countries in its neighbourhood and beyond. Today’s agreement with Albania – the first of this kind with a third country – is a milestone in the EU’s external cooperation on border management. I hope it will pave the way for greater cooperation with the whole Western Balkan region,” said Dimitris Avramopoulos, the EU’s Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship.
The agreement was signed on behalf of the EU by Herbert Kickl, Minister of the Interior of Austria and President of the Council, Avramopoulos, and on behalf of Albania Interior Minister Fatmir Xhafaj.
Kickl, speaking shortly after the agreement was signed, said, “The introduction of new measures to improve controls at the EU’s external borders has led to a significant drop in illegal border crossings. But more can still be done. Cooperation with our neighbours is particularly important. This agreement will allow us to increase our support to Albania in the field of border management.
https://www.neweurope.eu/article/eu-signs-border-management-agreement-with-albania/