The European Commission has proposed expanding the powers of the European Union’s border agency, Frontex, and increasing its operational capacity to 30,000 personnel as part of efforts to strengthen border controls and speed up the return of irregular migrants.
Announced on October 27, 2026, the proposals include a rapid-response force for migration emergencies, new digital surveillance tools and measures to simplify deportation procedures across EU member states.
Under the plan, a European border and return reserve of 17,000 officers would be established to support national authorities during periods of increased migration pressure. The proposals also envisage permanent contingents at sensitive border areas and faster deployment during emergencies.
The Commission said member states would remain primarily responsible for protecting their borders and implementing return decisions.
Frontex could also receive expanded technological capabilities, including artificial intelligence and digital surveillance systems. A proposed Online Surveillance Centre would help identify potential threats, improve early warning systems and strengthen information-sharing between member states.
Another major part of the package focuses on digitising the return, readmission and reintegration of migrants who have no legal right to remain in the EU. A shared digital interface would allow national administrations to exchange information and manage procedures electronically, reducing paperwork and administrative delays.
European Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner said the bloc needed a more effective system for returning people who were not entitled to stay. The Commission also proposed establishing a Return Coordination Centre to help organise and coordinate deportation operations.
The expanded role for Frontex could include closer cooperation with non-EU countries to facilitate the readmission of their nationals and support return operations, subject to applicable legal safeguards and international standards.
The proposals follow recent migration pressures at the EU’s external borders, including large-scale arrivals in the Spanish autonomous city of Ceuta in July. The Commission said these events highlighted the need for faster responses, improved coordination and stronger early-warning mechanisms.
The Spanish government has also called for changes to EU rules to accelerate return and asylum procedures during migration emergencies.
However, the proposed reforms have not yet entered into force. They must be negotiated and approved by the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union, and provisions concerning staffing levels, operational powers and safeguards could change during the legislative process.