The European Borders and Coast Guard Agency, formerly known as Frontex, is responsible for safeguarding Europe’s land and sea borders. Given the agency’s mandate to cover extensive borders and a vast sea area, it is understandable that monitoring and enforcing regulations has been challenging at times. Consequently, the European Union declared in 2019 its plan to implement a new regulation aimed at reinforcing Frontex’s operations.

According to the EU regulation, ten thousand more personnel are required to serve as border and coast guard officers. Currently, the hiring of new personnel for Frontex is in progress, and around 200 officers at the basic level and 100 officers at the intermediate level have already commenced training since the beginning of 2022.

Security Responsibilities of Frontex

Frontex, headquartered in Warsaw, Poland, was established in 2004 under the original name of the European Agency for the Management of Operational Cooperation at External Borders. The name Frontex was derived from the French phrase “Frontières extérieures,” which means external borders. The main goals of the initiative were to enhance the integration of management structures and simplify border checks throughout the European Union and the Schengen Area.

The agency faced a daunting challenge, which was further compounded by the migrant crisis that swept across Europe in 2015 and 2016. The European Commission responded by proposing the expansion of Frontex’s operations to manage the staggering influx of illegal migrants crossing European borders.

The European Council sanctioned this proposal, resulting in the rebranding of Frontex to the European Border and Coast Guard Agency. The agency commenced its operations promptly, collaborating with border officials and coast guards in the Schengen Area. It played a significant role in managing unlawful migration concerns at the Turkey-Bulgaria border in 2016.

Since its successful intervention in Turkey-Bulgaria, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency has continued to provide support to various EU member states in managing illegal migration. In recent years, it has also implemented several measures to enhance the security of Europe’s external borders, such as the deployment of aerial drones and the establishment of joint operations with third countries.

A Rise in the Level of Engagement Towards European Security

The 2019 EU regulation acknowledges Frontex’s responsibility to take a more proactive stance toward border security and combat terrorism and criminal activities. To achieve this objective, Frontex will serve as an intermediary among different national border and coast guard agencies to ensure seamless cooperation and information sharing across the continent. The ultimate goal is to establish an efficient and cohesive border management system that enhances overall security while safeguarding the fundamental rights of all European citizens.

By leveraging the vast security databases of the European Union, Frontex is equipped to perform risk analysis and anticipate potential security issues. This allows the agency to take preemptive measures to avert potential problems effectively. The 2019 regulation incorporates several significant provisions that enhance Frontex’s authority, including:

1. Access to travel and migration data beyond the European Union has been expanded to encompass information that could have implications for Europe in the future.
2. The systems for management have undergone a series of enhancements and updates, resulting in significant improvements in their efficiency and effectiveness. 
3. If considered essential, there is the potential to raise staffing numbers at European border points.
4. The agency’s participation in combating transnational criminal activities has increased.

Frontex has recently demonstrated its capability in combating cross-border crime. Along with Austrian authorities, Frontex conducted an operation targeting organized criminal groups in central and southeastern Europe in September 2021. The operation, named EMPACT Joint Action Day, focused on combating illegal transportation and exploitation of people, as well as document fraud. By working closely with law enforcement and border security personnel in the countries involved, Frontex carried out a successful operation that resulted in:

• Several dozen individuals, who were suspected of people smuggling, were arrested
• Several false documents were discovered
• Several vehicles that were involved in criminal activities were identified

Frontex’s crucial role in maintaining and improving security in the European zone is evident in this successful operation. This one operation is enough evidence of Frontex’s significant and continuing role in this regard.

Frontex and The ETIAS

Scheduled to be launched in the latter half of 2025, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System, also known as ETIAS is an upcoming screening system that would be mandatory for non-European passport holders by the middle of 2025. As part of the process, applicants would have to provide their personal information, including medical and criminal records, and the entire system would be managed from a Central Unit, where all data related to visitors would be stored. Frontex has been tasked with the responsibility of establishing and overseeing the ETIAS program.

ETIAS, which will be controlled and run by Frontex, is expected to:

1. All applications for ETIAS will undergo a verification and screening process.
2. Make sure that the data is securely stored.
3. Ensure compliance with legislation and regulations governing the protection of data.
4. The operation of ETIAS will be communicated to the general public to ensure transparency.

Once an individual completes the application form, the provided information will be cross-checked with security databases. Assuming no security issues or danger, the application will be granted, and the data will be electronically linked to the applicant’s passport. During passport checks at airports, seaports, or border crossings, ETIAS will be verified, and the passport holder will be permitted to proceed with their journey to the European Union or Schengen Area.

Border Control and Human Rights

In order to comply with the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, which mandates the protection of fundamental human rights, all EU bodies must strictly adhere to its principles. For Frontex to meet these required standards, the agency must:

• Frontex plans to increase its workforce by recruiting twenty fundamental rights officers in addition to three deputy executive directors.
• An efficient mechanism must be in place to document and communicate significant occurrences at border checkpoints.
• All employees at Frontex must receive training in fundamental human rights.

Meeting these and other conditions is crucial for Frontex to secure the full budget of almost €800 (£675) million for 2022. Failure to comply with the conditions may lead to the agency losing a portion of the allocated budget.

The Initial Line of Defence

With internal borders almost non-existent within the EU and Schengen Area, it becomes critical to ensure that the external borders of Europe are adequately protected and secured. Although countries located on the outer edge of Europe are responsible for managing their own border control, it may not suffice, and additional support can be provided by Frontex. Over the years, there has been a significant surge in the number of illegal migrants and refugees trying to enter the European zone, leading to some border crossing points becoming overwhelmed.

In addition to providing valuable intelligence and data on the movement of people, Frontex is capable of providing technical support such as:

• Frontex is capable of offering equipment like patrol boats and aircraft as a means of support.
• Frontex can provide additional assistance to border authorities by supplying staff specially trained in border control.
• Frontex can also coordinate operations conducted at sea in countries like Spain, Italy, and Greece as part of its efforts to assist in border control and security.
• Frontex can also assist in managing and handling the flow of people by supplying extra personnel at seaports and airports.

The absence of strict internal borders in Europe creates the possibility of a stolen car being driven from Italy to Ukraine or a victim of trafficking being taken from France to Sweden. Therefore, it is crucial to enhance the security measures at European external borders and checkpoints without causing significant delays for travelers.

Conclusion

Frontex plays a crucial role in preventing illegal entry into Europe by offering support staff and intelligence on the movement of people and criminal activities. The agency also facilitates the sharing of information and training between European border control personnel, improves their performance, and provides access to the latest equipment to combat cross-border criminal and terrorist activity.

Frontex has experienced significant budget and staff increases in recent years, with the agency’s budget for the current year now nearing €800 (£675) million. Furthermore, the number of personnel is expected to exceed 10,000 within the next five years.

Frontex’s access to the latest technology and information systems, along with increased funding and personnel resources, is expected to significantly improve European border control and security.