Members of the European Parliament are concerned that European Union plans to expand the mandate of the border agency Frontex could pose a threat to the observance of fundamental rights, reports Politico.In late October, Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner presented plans for significant changes to Frontex’s operations. These changes would place all migration-related matters under the agency’s oversight—ranging from strategic planning and resource pooling to the cost-effective return of migrants and support for their reintegration. Furthermore, the agency could assist non-EU countries in carrying out the deportation of migrants from their territories.On the 4th of November, Brunner explained the plan to the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs. He stated that while decisions regarding the return of migrants will continue to be made by the authorities of individual member states, Frontex will be responsible for all support related to the return of individuals. According to the European Commission’s plan, Frontex would be able to assist in the deportation of individuals from EU member states to return centers outside the bloc, and from there, to third countries.Centrist and left-wing MEPs expressed concern that these expanded powers could become a trap for fundamental rights. Dutch MEP Tineke Strik questioned how it would be guaranteed that Frontex complies with EU law when it would also be subject to the laws of third countries—laws that could be entirely different. She added that such an approach would create a risk of broader violations of fundamental rights.French MEP Murielle Laurant raised the question of to what extent the EU can delegate its migration policy—and, by extension, its human rights policy—to others, warning that a more powerful agency requires more rigorous oversight.Brunner insisted that Frontex is already subject to strict fundamental rights regulations, and that these would remain in force even if the European Commission’s plan were implemented. The Agency will assist non-EU countries in returning migrants only on the basis of an international agreement that includes measures to safeguard fundamental rights, and any such agreement will be signed by the European Parliament.
Expansion of Frontex’s mandate could threaten fundamental rights
