On December 4th, 2019, the European Union’s border control and coast guard agency FRONTEX gained new responsibilities and tools to more effectively control external borders and provide security for citizens in the EU and Schengen Area.
FRONTEX, as the new European Border and Coast Guard regulation states, will receive a standing corps of 10,000 border and coast guard officers as well as equipment to assist with border control and migration management.
The new regulation will allow FRONTEX to do much more than previously possible, including:
- Improve and develop the EU’s border management capabilities
- Become more active outside of the EU, allowing for operations in non-EU countries that also do not border the EU
- Upgrade its management system to provide transparency and accountability
- Better provide well-functioning border controls
- Better contribute to the fight against cross-border crime
“With our own standing corps and own equipment, FRONTEX will be a daily partner for national authorities to design sustainable border management capacities rather than simply responding in a crisis management mode. Our operational aim is to have well-functioning external borders ensuring trust in our European Area of Freedom, Security, and Justice,” said FRONTEX Executive Director Fabrice Leggeri.
FRONTEX monitors external borders 24/7. With a large standing corps and equipment, the agency will likely be able to do a much better job of protecting external borders and stopping cross-border crime. Although the focus is on cross-border crime and illegal immigration, FRONTEX will now be able to provide better border controls for legitimate travelers crossing the EU’s external borders. They will also have the capability to host the future central unit of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) and support Member States with the deployment of the Entry-Exit-System.
