The European Commission has proposed a major expansion of the European Union’s border agency, Frontex, including a larger workforce and a central role in coordinating deportations of people who have no legal right to remain in the bloc.
Under the proposal presented on Tuesday, Frontex’s standing corps would grow to 30,000 officers, roughly three times its current size. Of these, 17,000 would form a new European border and return reserve, available to support member states when needed.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen defended the plans, saying the EU would continue protecting its borders and deciding who could enter the bloc and under what conditions.
The proposed reforms also include a quick reaction force to respond to sudden migration pressures and an online monitoring centre to scan social media. The measures follow increased political pressure across Europe to tackle irregular migration, amid growing support for far-right parties.
Frontex would also take on a greater role in organising deportations. A proposed return coordination centre would help EU member states plan and coordinate the removal of people who are not entitled to stay.
The agency would also support national authorities by carrying out return operations and providing assistance to people returning to their countries of origin to help them reintegrate.
The proposal follows a series of EU measures aimed at strengthening migration controls. It comes after a major arrival of migrants in the Spanish territory of Ceuta in July, which added to pressure on European governments to respond to sudden increases in arrivals.
The Commission’s plan would expand Frontex’s operational responsibilities and strengthen cooperation between member states on border management and returns. However, the measures are proposals and would need to go through the relevant EU legislative process before becoming law.