European Commission: Five-Point Plan to Strengthen EU External Border Security

Brussels, September 29 (KUNA) -- The European Commission proposed a five-point plan today, Tuesday, to strengthen the security of the European Union’s external borders and address sudden and large-scale flows of irregular migrants, following the crisis in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta at the end of July. A Commission statement quoted European Commissioner for Home and Migration Magnus Brunner as saying that “Europe needs a system that is firm, fair, and adaptable,” emphasizing that the EU would work to enhance the protection of its external borders, intensify cooperation with countries of origin and transit, and improve mechanisms for returning migrants who are not entitled to remain in EU member states. He clarified that the plan is based on the EU’s migration strategy and aims to strengthen the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex), propose a new European emergency response framework, and develop partnerships with countries concerned with migration. According to the statement, the plan includes five main pillars: enhancing cooperation with partner countries to prevent irregular migration, strengthening external border security, improving monitoring and early warning systems, dismantling migrant smuggling and human trafficking networks, and reinforcing procedures for returning individuals who do not have the right to reside in the EU. The Commission also proposes enhancing Frontex’s mandate and expanding its capacity to deploy personnel and equipment as needed, intensifying the exchange of intelligence and border monitoring, and developing cooperation with digital platforms to monitor online content that encourages irregular migration. As part of efforts to combat smuggling networks, the plan calls for accelerating the adoption of a sanctions regime targeting those involved in such activities, including asset freezes and travel bans, and enhancing cooperation with financial institutions and electronic platforms to detect illicit financial flows. The Commission stressed that protecting the EU’s external borders is a shared European responsibility requiring coordination and solidarity among member states and EU institutions, noting that irregular border crossings have reached their lowest levels since 2021, despite challenges revealed by recent developments. The plan is scheduled to be presented to the justice and home affairs ministers of EU member states during their meeting next month. (End) A.R.N. / A.B.G.