On the 1st of April, ambassadors of European Union members states agreed to strengthen and broaden the competencies of the Frontex European Border and Coast Guard Agency. By the 2027, number of agency employees should increase to 10000, from existing 1500. Agency will also receive new equipment which will improve it`s efficiency.

The updated regulations increase the number of agency employees and broaden the Frontex mandate. New regulations were proposed by the European Commission on 12th of September 2018. Frontex agency was itself founded in 2004 / Photo: Frontex

The updated regulations increase the number of agency employees and broaden the Frontex mandate. New regulations were proposed by the European Commission on 12th of September 2018. Frontex agency was itself founded in 2004 / Photo: Frontex

Frontex will have wider possibilities to support protection of EU member and non-member states borders. UE ambassadors unofficially confirmed that an accord was reached between the representatives of European Parliament (EP) and the Romanian European Council (EC) presidency. The agreement concerns the new Frontex regulations, which are to be formally accepted by the EP and EC in the future.

Modernized regulations will allow Frontex to act quicker and more efficient in support of EU member states. The support will include border control together with identification, travel document obtainment and deportation of unlawful migrants. The proposed regulations also connect Frontex with the European Border Surveillance System (EUROSUR). EUROSUR was founded on 22nd of October 2013 and it`s inclusion into the Frontex agency will benefit both initiatives.

On the 1st of January 2021, units of European Border and Coast Guard Agency will begin it`s operations. It`s main mission will be to react to short- and long-term crisis situations. By the 31st of December 2023, European Commission will present EC and EP with a report of corps size and structure. If required, by March 2024, EC will provide suggestions for proposed changes concerning contributions of EU member states. After changes, member states will remain responsible for protection of their own borders and the Frontex corps will provide technical and operational support. The support will be conditional on agreement of relevant member states. Frontex corps officials will have powers to conduct border controls, including use of force.

Frontex will also have more freedom to cooperate with non-EU member states. Thanks to various arrangements with interested parties, agency officials will be able to conduct border safety operations from beyond the EU borders. Frontex experts and agents could be working together with local and regional structures concerned with migration and security issues of UE.