The European Border and Coast Guard Agency (FRONTEX) has launched a second round of operations on the border of Montenegro and Croatia, according to an announcement published by FRONTEX on 14 October 2020.
The main goal of the second operation is to combat illegal cross-border activity including the smuggling of arms, drugs, migrants, human trafficking, and terrorism.
“The main aim of this operation is to tackle cross-border crime at the country’s sea borders, including the smuggling of drugs and weapons, smuggling of migrants, trafficking in human beings and terrorism,” the announcement reads.
FRONTEX is deploying “specialized officers from EU Member States to the country” to help combat illegal activities on the EU’s external border with Croatia.
FRONTEX has also deployed Coast Guard specialists in an attempt to better enforce laws regarding fisheries and environmental protection, as well as provide search and rescue support to agencies already operating in the area.
“Montenegro is an essential partner for the European Union and for Frontex in the region. This is why we decided to reinforce our presence in the country at the request of Montenegrin authorities and launch the second operation, this time at the country’s sea border,” said Frontex Director Fabrice Leggeri.
FRONTEX deployed officers recently after the completion of the Status Agreement between the European Union and Montenegro earlier this year; all operations and deployment of FRONTEX personnel have been in accordance with Montenegrin officers and laws.
FRONTEX, the European Union’s Border and Coast Guard Agency, deploys personnel all over the EU and Schengen Area to protect external borders and to deter and detect cross-border crime with the EU and Schengen Area.
FRONTEX continues to operate in accordance with EU laws and regulations to provide Member States and their citizens with a safe environment in which to live, work, and do business.
