MEPs fear wider Frontex powers could endanger fundamental rights
Members of the European Parliament have voiced concern over a European Commission plan to expand the powers of the EU border agency Frontex in migrant returns. Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner says fundamental rights rules will remain in force.
Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are worried that European Union plans to expand the powers of the border agency Frontex could threaten respect for fundamental rights, Politico reports. The plan was presented in late October by EU Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner, who explained it to Parliament's Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs on 4 November.
What the plan envisages
The European Commission proposal would place all migration-related matters under Frontex's oversight, from strategic planning and pooling resources to cost-effective return of migrants and help with reintegration. The agency could also assist non-EU countries in deporting migrants from their territory.
Brunner told the committee that decisions on returning migrants will still be made by member states' authorities, but Frontex will be responsible for all support linked to returns. Under the plan, the agency would be able to help send people from EU countries to return hubs outside the bloc, and from there to third countries.
Concerns from lawmakers
Centrist and left-wing MEPs warned that the expanded powers could become a trap for fundamental rights. Dutch MEP Tineke Strik asked how Frontex could be guaranteed to comply with EU law if it also has to follow the laws of third countries, which may differ greatly. In her view, this approach creates a risk of wider rights violations.
French MEP Murielle Laurant asked how far the EU can delegate its migration policy while also delegating human rights policy. She stressed that a stronger agency needs tighter oversight.
The commissioner's response
Brunner insisted that Frontex already operates under strict fundamental rights rules, and that these will remain in force if the plan goes ahead. According to him, the agency will help countries outside the EU return migrants only on the basis of an international agreement that includes fundamental rights safeguards. Any such agreement will be signed off by the European Parliament.
