15/02/2023 (Agence Europe) – MEPs gave the green light, on Wednesday 15 February, to Frontex’s operational support programme for the Republic of North Macedonia to manage its borders with the other Western Balkan countries (see EUROPE 13052/31). They approved by 511 votes in favour, 104 against and 20 abstentions, the conclusion of an international agreement between the European Union and the Republic of North Macedonia on operational activities of the EU border and coast guards. The agreement, backed by German MEP Lena Düpont (EPP), will allow the deployment of teams from the permanent Frontex corps to support the Macedonian authorities in their border and security risk management activities along the Western Balkans route. Link to the agreement: https://aeur.eu/f/5c5 (SP)