Commission proposes a stronger Frontex: more resources, a greater role on returns and effective crisis response

On 27 October, the European Commission proposed to further strengthen Frontex, turning it into the EU’s central actor for protecting external borders and organising returns across the Union.  

Frontex already plays a critically important role in supporting Member States to manage Europe’s external borders. Under the new rules, its mandate will be further reinforced, enabling it to act faster and more effectively. Key novelties include: more resources and operational capacity, a Quick Reaction Force to intervene in crisis situations, and a new Online Monitoring Centre for the early detection of potential threats at the borders. Frontex will have a dedicated Return Coordination Centre and it will now be able to help carry out returns from third countries.   

To operationalise the new EU rules on returns, the Commission has also proposed a Regulation to digitalise return, readmission and reintegration. This will simplify and accelerate the management of returns across the EU, reducing administrative burden.  

These proposals are delivering on the commitments announced in the 2024-2029 political guidelines and reiterated by President von der Leyen in her State of the Union address this year, to reinforce Frontex, and especially to speed up returns. It is now for the European Parliament and the Council to agree on the proposals. The Commission will support co-legislators to advance on negotiations for both Regulations.