Frontex Operation

Frontex Operation

The flow of migrants coming from Middle Eastern countries and using Albania as a transit point towards the EU have been increasing year on year.

In 2018, the number of illegal immigrants entering Albanian territory was 6.7 times higher than in 2017.

During the first months of this year the phenomenon is still persisting, with an increase of 20.6%.

With the aim of improving management of border controls, 50 FRONTEX effectives have started patrolling between Albania and Greece.

Teams of the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, Frontex, are joining Albania’s police to patrol its land and sea borders for migrants and crime.

European Union Migration Commissioner, Dimitris Avramopoulos, and Frontex Head, Fabrice Leggeri, were in Tirana today to launch “the first ever joint operation on the territory of a neighbouring non-EU country.”

European Commissioner for Migration and Home Affairs, Dimitris Avramopoulos explained that the mission would not affect the sovereignty of the Albanian state.

Avramopoulos said the agreement is “a milestone for EU co-operation with the region.”

“This is a real game changer and a truly historical step, bringing this region closer to the EU by working together in a coordinated and mutually supportive way on shared challenges, such as better managing migration and protecting our common borders.”

The Director of Frontex stated that the main goal is to have the presence of Frontex on the border with Greece.

“You're the first EU border guards who will work together with your Albanian colleagues to make Europe safer.

“You represent your country and Europe in a spirit of solidarity and cooperation,” Frontex Director Leggeri told the officers about to be deployed in Albania.

Meanwhile, Albania's Interior Minister, Sandër Lleshaj said there was a six-fold increase in the number of illegal migrations utilizing Greece-Albania border crossings when compared to a year ago, though he did not give exact numbers.

Albania is not a preferred route for migrants, but some enter our tiny Western Balkan country with plans to move forward to Northern Europe.

Another problem is the number of Albanians seeking to leave for the EU, though according to the Prime Minister, Edi Rama, the year 2018 marked a decrease of requests.

Meanwhile the European Commissioner attempted to calm down the Albanian people by confirming that the EC has not received any visa-suspension requests.



EMISIONET