Serbia has taken a significant step forward in improving both trade efficiency and border security through an expanded partnership with the European Union's border control operations. The new agreement, celebrated in Belgrade with European Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson, now encompasses all Serbian borders, extending beyond the previous focus on EU neighboring countries.
This initiative is set to enhance the flow of goods across borders by reducing transit delays and ensuring smoother border checks, which is crucial for businesses relying on timely supply chains. Additionally, it bolsters Serbia’s capability to mitigate illegal migration and cross-border crime along the Balkan route—a vital corridor for both migration and trade linking the Middle East, Afghanistan, Pakistan, North Africa, and Western Europe.
Updating the 2021 agreement to include comprehensive border management across Serbia, the new deal allows the EU's border agency to conduct extensive checks and registration, fostering a safer and more efficient trading environment. This is enabled by a 2019 EU regulation that provides the framework for such comprehensive border management activities.
Serbian Interior Minister Ivica Dacic expressed optimism about the benefits of this collaboration. "Integrating EU personnel into our border operations not only enhances our control over irregular activities but also significantly facilitates the seamless flow of commerce across our borders," Dacic noted.
This proactive approach by Serbia is a part of a broader regional effort, involving all Western Balkan countries, to secure borders in a way that supports economic growth and stability. This strategic move not only addresses security concerns but also aims to create a more predictable and robust environment for traders and investors in the region.
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