13/10/2022 (Agence Europe) – The Council of the European Union decided on Thursday 13 October to sign a cooperation agreement on border management between the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) and North Macedonia. It also decided to send the draft decision on the conclusion of the agreement to the European Parliament for approval. Once the agreement is in force, Frontex will be able to assist North Macedonia in its efforts to manage migration flows, counter illegal immigration and fight cross-border crime, the EU Council said in a statement. The agreement will allow for joint operations and the deployment of Frontex border management teams in North Macedonia, subject to the country’s agreement. The Commission, the EU Council Presidency and North Macedonia are expected to sign the agreement on 20 October. (SP)