The European Parliament has approved new legislation which strengthens the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, known as Frontex, by supplying it with extra staff and equipment.
The plan is to increase the number of operational staff to 10,000 by 2027 and focus on strengthening the region’s borders. The movement was passed with 403 votes in favour, 162 against, and 44 abstentions.
The new regulations give Frontex a broader mandate to support EU member states, especially regarding border control and cooperation with third countries. The European Border Surveillance System (Eurosur) is being incorporated into Frontex’s framework as part of this initiative.
A press release on the issue stated: "This corps, to be established gradually, will consist of up to 10,000 operational staff by 2027. It will include operational staff members from Frontex, as well as from the member states either under long-term secondments or deployed for a short time, and a reserve for a rapid reaction which will be kept until the end of 2024".
Strong border security: the main objective
The MEP who proposed the regulations, Roberta Metsola, said that border security was the main concern of every individual she met since her election as a representative of the Maltese and Gozitan people.
"I wanted a law which is fair with those in need of protection, firm with those who are not, and harsh with those who seek to exploit the most vulnerable. We can only address security and the challenges of migration if we keep this principle in mind," she said.
The European Council adopted the proposal on November 8, 2019. Its subsequent press release stated that Frontex will have a standing corps at its disposal that will ensure coherent management of the EU’s borders and will enable it to adequately respond to crises.
Maria Ohisalo, the Minister of the Interior of Finland, stated that the well-functioning management of external borders is essential in maintaining a fully functioning Schengen Area and the efficient and humane management of migration.
"These new rules will allow Frontex to play a bigger role in supporting Member States in border control, on returns, and in cooperating with third countries," she said.
The expansion of Frontex
The EU established Frontex in 2004 as part of an effort to improve the integrated management of the region’s external borders. In 2017, Frontex was expanded and became the European Border and Coast Guard Agency.
Over 1,900 staff members are employed by the agency in 2022, including more than 900 members of the European Border and Coast Guard standing corps, the EU’s uniformed service.
By 2027 the standing corps will comprise 10,000 people, 3000 of which will be Frontex staff. The remaining 7,000 will be seconded from Member States.
How will the Frontex budget increase?
The Frontex budget has increased significantly since it was established:
- 2005—€ 6 million
- 2006—€ 19 million
- 2011—€ 118 million
- 2012—€ 85 million
- 2015—€ 142 million
- 2016—€ 254 million
- 2017—€ 302 million
- 2018—€ 320 million
- 2019—€ 333 million
- 2020—€ 364 million
- 2021—€ 535 million
- 2022—€ 754 million
The increasing budget reflects the expanded roles and responsibilities of the border agency.
