Cooperation between Frontex and third countries in 2023

In 2023, Frontex further reinforced its strategic efforts to strengthen partnerships across the key migratory routes to the EU. The Agency actively engaged in structured dialogue and collaborative initiatives with key countries of origin and transit along key migratory routes to the EU, fostering trust and investing into capacities needed for future operational cooperation. Following the priorities endorsed by the Management Board as part of the Agency's International Cooperation Strategy, Frontex focused its engagements in the external dimension on several regions, continuously readjusting prioritisation based on migratory flows and emerging operational needs, EU's external action policy, fundamental rights and security situation, as well as other factors. In 2023, our cooperation activities focused on the closest neighbours in the Western Balkans, as well as Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova - all connected with a common aspiration to join the EU and hence striving to integrate closer to the European Border and Coast Guard. Important priorities were also partners in the Southern Neighbourhood and West Africa, where the Agency focused its capacity building efforts. Some targeted engagements also took place in the Silk Routes countries and in Central Asia.