EU Commission Strengthens Border Protection With 30,000 More Personnel

by · Greek City Times

The European Commission has proposed strengthening the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, Frontex, by expanding its personnel, increasing its role in returns and introducing rapid-response mechanisms to help EU member states protect the bloc’s external borders and manage emergencies.

The proposed reforms aim to improve Frontex’s operational capacity, allowing the agency to respond more quickly and effectively by pooling resources, improving coordination and providing member states with additional operational support.

The Commission proposes gradually increasing Frontex’s Standing Corps to a total of 30,000 personnel. The plan includes a new European Border and Returns Reserve comprising 17,000 personnel who could deploy wherever needs arise, complementing Frontex staff and personnel seconded by member states.

The agency would also gain easier access to modern equipment and technology. It could participate in joint procurement procedures with member states and act as a central purchasing body for digital tools and artificial intelligence technologies.

Frontex to take a greater role in returns

Read more: EU Moves to Strengthen Frontex With 30,000 Border Officers and Faster Deportations

Under the proposal, Frontex would play a more active role in planning and coordinating return operations across the EU, with the aim of improving efficiency and reducing costs.

The Commission proposes establishing a dedicated Returns Coordination Centre to support every stage of the process, from voluntary return to reintegration.

Frontex could also provide technical and operational assistance to non-EU countries organising and carrying out return operations between third countries. Such assistance would require the agreement of the countries concerned and compliance with fundamental rights and international standards.

New monitoring centre and rapid-response force

The proposed reforms would establish an Online Monitoring and Response Centre to identify emerging developments and threats at the EU’s external borders at an early stage. The centre would monitor publicly accessible social media content to help detect potential risks.

The Commission also proposes creating a Rapid Response Force capable of deploying to external borders at very short notice to address crises and emergencies.

Member states would face new reporting obligations during crises. They would have to report incidents with a significant impact on the EU’s external borders through the EUROSUR information-sharing network within 24 hours.

EU proposes digitalisation of return procedures

The Commission has also proposed a new regulation to digitalise return, readmission and reintegration procedures across the EU.

The initiative aims to simplify and accelerate administrative processes, reduce workloads and improve the collection and exchange of data.

The proposals will now go to the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union, which must reach agreement on the new rules before they can proceed.

(Source: AMNA)

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