Remarks by Executive Vice-President Virkkunen and Commissioner Brunner on strengthening Frontex and the digitalisation of the return process

Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen and welcome to this press point. We are here together with Magnus to share light on the two important milestones on European border management: a revised Frontex mandate and the digitalisation of returns.

The EU must ensure control of its external borders. A significant progress has been made over last years. The EU has established the world's most advanced border management system. Illegal border crossings are at their lowest levels since 2021—down 55% over the past two years.

Despite falling crossing numbers, migratory pressure remains. Geopolitical developments, hybrid threats, disinformation campaigns, and cyber-attacks on critical infrastructure continue to test border resilience.

Criminal smuggling networks are growing increasingly professional, adapting rapidly and utilizing new technologies and social media to coordinate unauthorized crossings.

Evolving threats require continuous action. Building on lessons from sudden arrivals like in Ceuta in summer 2026, we prioritize crisis anticipation, prevention, and rapid emergency response.

The Commission proposals open a new era for Frontex, with a revised mandate.

Capitalizing on the momentum of the Pact on Migration and Asylum and the newly adopted Return Regulation, the EU is deploying modern digital tools to ensure stronger coordination and effective returns.

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. In addition, we will also make sure that Frontex has state-of-the-art equipment and technology at its disposal.

The proposal also seeks to address political and practical constraints identified in the current system. On border management, Member States need more flexible support, stronger operational capacity, improved planning and better access to equipment and surveillance tools.