This week, ten member states of the European Union, including Slovakia, called on the European Commission to reform the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex), which should strengthen its capacities, but not replace the responsibility of states for the protection of external borders. This is reported by the Warsaw correspondent TASR, according to a Thursday report by the PAP agency.
They submitted the document Poland, Czech Republic, Croatia, Hungary, Greece, Estonia, Lithuania, Malta, Romania and Slovakia. In the third quarter of 2026, the Commission is to present a proposal to amend the Frontex regulation.
The signatories emphasized that the agency should support member states in managing external borders, coordinate the return of illegal migrants and cooperate with third countries. However, it should not carry out checks at internal borders or ensure transfers of migrants between states.
Member States point out in the document that national security remains solely their responsibility. They also highlighted new threats, including hybrid attacks, abuse of migration and violence against border guards. In emergency situations, priority should be given to the protection of national security and public order. In the future, Frontex should gain more flexibility in returns and cooperation with countries of origin and transit.
“Leading joint return operations and ensuring the financing of returns, readmission and reintegration (of migrants) should remain the main pillar of the agency’s activities. Frontex should retain its role in the area of returns as an agency providing support to Member States,” the document states.
States also propose to create a qualified permanent corps and reserve corps financed by EU funds and develop tools supported by artificial intelligence, or the use of drones.
