Based on the status agreement between North Macedonia and the EU, which entered into force on 1 April 2023, Frontex launched a joint operation at the external border of North Macedonia on 20 April 2023. With the help of more than 100 European border guards, the operation aims to strengthen and support the country’s border management efforts. Under the command and control of the Border Police of North Macedonia, the European border guards will support local authorities with their border surveillance and border checks, including patrols, document checks, and information gathering on cross-border crime. Additionally, training activities will be conducted to further develop regional border control capacities. The Frontex joint operation hosted by North Macedonia is the fifth such operation hosted by a country outside the EU.