The UK has secured a new agreement with the European Union’s border agency, Frontex, allowing British authorities access to EU intelligence concerning criminal groups involved in human trafficking operations. The deal aims to improve information sharing and coordination on curbing irregular migration across the English Channel.
UK and EU officials will formally sign the pact in London on Friday, February 24th. While financial details were undisclosed, the British Home Office confirmed the UK will not provide any direct payments to the EU under the terms of the agreement.
The pact aims to enhance cooperation between the UK and EU, facilitating training exchanges and technology adoption to combat smuggling rings. Home Secretary James Cleverly emphasized the need for joint solutions to tackle organized immigration crime and people smuggling, leveraging EU intelligence.
The cross-Channel route has remained a priority for the conservative UK government as it tries reducing unlawful migration in the lead up to elections expected later in 2023. Last year approximately 36,000 migrants attempted treacherous Channel crossings from the coast of France to Britain.
The bilateral Frontex deal signifies progress repairing collaborative efforts across the Channel that deteriorated since the UK officially left the EU in 2020. Both sides hope improved intelligence coordination disrupts future trafficking operations and prevents tragic migrant voyages. However, the effectiveness of the information sharing framework will rely on sustained UK-EU cooperation as the partnership continues evolving after Brexit.