Frontex continues to stand as a cornerstone of the EU’s border management strategy, alongside EU Member States. Commissioner Brunner emphasised the Agency’s critical role in promoting integrated border management, overseeing the expansion of the first EU’s uniformed service, the Standing Corps, and transitioning towards a fully digitalised and interoperable border management system.
Warsaw, 9 January 2025
Magnus Brunner, the newly appointed European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, visited today the Warsaw headquarters of Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency. During his first visit to Frontex, Commissioner Brunner met with Frontex Executive Director Hans Leijtens and the Agency’s leadership team to discuss the evolving challenges at the EU’s external borders.
“Frontex is more than just a border agency; it is a guardian of the EU fundamental principles of security, fairness, and responsibility. In a world facing evolving migration challenges and hybrid threats, the Agency’s work is indispensable for ensuring a robust yet humane European migration policy.” said Commissioner Brunner
Addressing Emerging Challenges at EU Borders
The discussions highlighted Frontex’s role in countering hybrid threats, managing instrumentalisation of migrants, and ensuring border preparedness in the face of increasing geopolitical tensions. The Agency has been instrumental in safeguarding the EU’s borders while upholding its humanitarian obligations, as demonstrated in operations across the Mediterranean and in cooperation with non-EU countries in the Western Balkans.
Frontex Executive Director Hans Leijtens reiterated the Agency’s commitment to its mission of securing the EU’s borders alongside EU Member States.
“Our core mission is to manage our borders, but it is also about building trust and fostering cooperation both within and beyond the EU to safeguard our borders. Our work is guided by the principles of transparency, accountability, and the upholding of fundamental rights.” said Hans Leijtens
The visit also provided an opportunity to delve into Frontex’s strategic priorities for the years ahead. A key focus will be on reinforcing and enhancing the capabilities of the European Border and Coast Guard Standing Corps with the support of the European Commission and further strengthening its operational readiness and effectiveness to make Frontex a reliable partner for member states, not just a supplier of officers and equipment.
At the same time, Frontex aims to drive digital transformation by supporting the development of an interoperable IT architecture for border management systems, paving the way for a faster, more secure European digital border. Frontex will also work closely with the European Commission and with Member States to implement the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, advancing a coordinated and humane approach in return procedures to uphold human dignity and comply with international laws.
During the visit, Commissioner Brunner emphasised the importance of European solidarity in addressing migration challenges. He commended Frontex for its proactive role in deploying multipurpose surveillance operations and providing technical support for search and rescue missions, highlighting the Agency’s commitment to enhancing border management and saving lives.
Source – Frontex