European Commission wants to give Frontex a bigger role in deporting migrants
The European Commission has proposed expanding the powers of the EU border agency Frontex so it can coordinate the removal of people with no right to stay in the EU. The plan would also raise the agency's staff to 30,000.
The European Commission (EC), the European Union's executive body, unveiled plans on Tuesday to broaden the powers of Frontex, the EU's border agency. The agency would be given the leading role in organising the removal of people who have no right to stay in the EU. The move is part of efforts to take a tougher line on illegal migration.
What the plan includes
Under the proposal, Frontex's workforce would grow roughly threefold to 30,000. Of these, 17,000 would remain at the disposal of member states as national border guards and would be deployed as part of the new reserve force only when needed.
The plan also mentions a "rapid reaction unit" and a new "online monitoring centre" that would oversee social media. On deportations, a Return Coordination Centre would help member states plan and coordinate removals.
Political context
EC President Ursula von der Leyen stressed: "Europe will always stand for the protection of its borders. Europe decides who comes to our union and under what conditions."
The reform plan is one of several measures aimed at tackling illegal migration. Worsening public sentiment across Europe has helped right-wing parties succeed in elections.
The source text does not say when the plan could take effect or whether it would need approval from member states.
