Questions and answers on the Commission proposal to reinforce Frontex: stronger border protection, a greater role on returns and more effective crisis response

Since its creation in 2005, Frontex supports EU Member States and Schengen-Associated countries in the management of the EU's external borders and the fight against cross-border crime, as well as in the return of non-EU nationals with no right to stay in the EU.

Frontex' Standing Corps is composed of Frontex personnel and officers seconded from EU Member States and Schengen-Associated Countries.

From its headquarters in Warsaw, Frontex shares expertise with Member States, Schengen Associated Countries and neighbouring non-EU countries affected by migratory trends and cross-border crime. Through the European Border Surveillance System - EUROSUR, Frontex helps monitor the EU's external borders by collecting and sharing information from national authorities and, where needed, using its own surveillance tools, including aircraft and other technologies.

Frontex also supports Member States in returning people who have no legal right to stay in the EU, from organising return flights, providing return counselling and helping with reintegration through the EU Reintegration Programme.

In addition, Frontex provides support to Member States on the Entry-Exit System (EES) with operational assistance and deployment of standing corps officers. Frontex manages the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) Central Unit, which once operational, will review pre-travel applications for visa-exempt travellers.

With today's proposal, the Commission aims to further strengthen Frontex both when it comes to border protection and to support Member States on returns.

The Commission is also proposing today a regulation to digitalise return, readmission and reintegration procedures.

Will these operational changes require additional funding for Frontex?

Frontex is currently allocated almost €6 billion budget in the 2021-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework. Today's proposal brings an ambitious set of objectives to further strengthen Frontex, which require adequate financial resources.