The European Commission (EC) wants to expand the powers of the EU border agency Frontex to allow it to deport irregular migrants, according to plans unveiled on Tuesday.The Commission has proposed giving Frontex a central role in organising the removal of people who have no legal right to remain in the European Union (EU), as well as establishing a reserve force of 17,000 personnel ready to be deployed when needed.”Europe will always stand up for the protection of its borders. Europe decides who enters our Union and under what conditions,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stressed.The proposed reforms are the latest in a series of measures aimed at tackling illegal migration amid growing public dissatisfaction, which has contributed to electoral gains for right-wing parties across Europe.Under the plan, Frontex’s workforce would nearly triple to 30,000 personnel.This would include 17,000 national border guards who would remain under the authority of their respective member states and be deployed as part of the new reserve force only when necessary.The proposal also includes establishing a rapid response unit and a new online monitoring centre responsible for monitoring social media.Frontex would also take on a greater role in deporting irregular migrants.A new Return Coordination Centre would help EU member states plan and coordinate deportation operations.
EU plans tougher approach to illegal migration – Frontex could gain new powers
