The Commission has proposed to reinforce Frontex, the EU agency that plays a crucial role in supporting EU and Schengen countries in managing the EU’s external borders.
A stronger Frontex
The proposal will give Frontex the right tools and resources to act faster and more effectively. It sets out 3 main priorities
- Pooled resources and operational capacity: gradually increasing Frontex’s standing corps to 30 000 officers available for deployment to support EU countries when needed, and enabling easier access to state-of-the-art equipment and technology
- Stronger role in returns: giving Frontex a more proactive and strategic role in steering EU-wide return operations, maximising the effectiveness and cost-efficiency of its support through a dedicated Return Coordination Centre, and enabling it to support third countries on returns
- Effective crisis response: establishing a dedicated Online Monitoring and Response Centre to detect dangerous trends early, improve information exchange and enable quick intervention in emergencies or crises through the deployment of a Quick Reaction Force
Digitalising return procedures
The Commission has also proposed to digitalise return, readmission, and reintegration. It aims to
- simplify, accelerate, and modernise the management of returns across the EU
- reduce administrative burden
- improve data collection and sharing
- strengthen Frontex’s role in developing a new EU digital architecture for the EU countries
Next steps
It is now for the European Parliament and the Council to agree on the proposals. The Commission will support co-legislators in advancing negotiations.
The EU works to ensure the security of the Schengen area, develop a common EU migration and asylum policy, and build a safer Europe. The proposals are delivering on the commitments announced in the 2024-2029 political guidelines and reiterated by President von der Leyen in her 2026 State of the Union address.
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