Cooperation Between Frontex and Montenegrin Authorities

Frontex is currently conducting a joint operation in Montenegro, with the main goal of assisting the Montenegrin national authorities in border control and its fight against cross-border crime. 

“Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, is the main element of what European border and coast guard is, compiled with Frontex and national authorities, and we are here in Montenegro to support operational activities of our colleagues from the Montenegrin police at the sea borders and territorial waters of Montenegro,” said Konstantinos Provias, Operational Officer at Frontex. 

As part of this operational activity, the National Coordination Centre of the Border Police of Montenegro receives pictures and videos from air surveillance provided by Frontex assets to Montenegro that are then viewable both in Podgorica and in Warsaw – the headquarters of Frontex.

“We first started with operational activities at the Debeli Brijeg border crossing by establishing the so-called focal points or, as Frontex calls it –focal point Debeli Brijeg. This was a big step in regards to cooperation, due to the fact that, under this Agreement, for the first time the personnel that is being deployed in the organization of FRONTEX in the territory of Montenegro has the same executive powers as our police officers, in accordance with our national legislation,” said Darko Markovic, the Chief Inspector of the Montenegrin border police.

Along with the aircraft that provides surveillance of Montenegrin territorial waters and the exclusive economic zone, Frontex has deployed experts that provide their expertise and knowledge and support the efforts of Montenegrin police officers by working side by side with them.

“Until now, we’ve had ten Frontex team members in total, from Bulgaria, Portugal, Croatia, Estonia, and the Czech Republic. The first impressions from both sides are fantastic, it’s all about sharing police experience, and we are looking forward to the fact that Frontex will keep supporting us in this particular operation and also in some other similar activities in the future,” said Igor Bojović, a police officer from the Debeli Brijeg border crossing.    

The Joint Operation Montenegro is the second Frontex operation outside of the European Union. It all started with an operation in Albania, while in Montenegro Frontex (link is external)(link is external) started deploying experts since last summer and has continued with operational assets as well.