The European Commission proposed Tuesday to strengthen the EU’s border agency Frontex, reinforcing its capacity to protect the external borders and turning it into the EU’s central actor for returns.
“Our new migration policy is working: illegal border crossings are down, security threats are being stopped at our external borders and returns are increasing”, said Commissioner for Migration Magnus Brunner: “…Today we propose that Frontex becomes the central EU actor on returns. In addition, it will be able to act faster. With a quick reaction force that can deploy within 24 hours and spot risks early, before an event becomes a crisis.”
The European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) is a decentralised agency that since 2005 supports EU Member States and Schengen-associated countries in the management of the EU’s external borders and the fight against cross-border crime, as well as in the return of non-EU nationals with no right to stay in the EU. Frontex also plays a key role in search and rescue operations, supporting Member States in saving lives at sea.
Despite progress on migration, including an increase in return rate to over 30 per cent, according to the Commission, the EU’s common external borders are being put to the test by a changed geopolitical and security environment, and require a stronger and more effective European response.
Frontex already plays a critical role in supporting Member States in managing Europe’s external borders and safeguarding the Schengen area.
The new rules will build on this role, by further strengthening the agency’s mandate, enabling it to act more quickly and effectively – and making it easier for Member States to make full use of its tools and services.
Key novelties include: a reinforced Standing Corps, including a new European Border and Return Reserve, a Quick Reaction Force to intervene in crisis situations, and a new Online Monitoring Centre for the early detection of potential threats to our borders.
Frontex will also have a dedicated Return Coordination Centre and it will now be able to help carry out returns from third countries.
The European Parliament and EU Council will now have to agree on the proposals. The Commission says it will support co-legislators to advance on negotiations for both Regulations.
Regulation amending the European Border and Coast Guard Regulation
Regulation on Digitalisation of case management in the area of return, readmission and reintegration
