World · Europe · 7 hrs ago
EU proposes broader Frontex powers, including deportations beyond the bloc
The European Commission proposed expanding Frontex’s powers on Tuesday, making the EU border agency more central to deportations.
Frontex could help arrange returns across the EU and deport people between non-EU countries if agreements and international legal standards allow it.
The proposal follows a surge of more than 72,000 arrivals from Morocco to Spain’s Ceuta enclave in late July, most of whom later left.
The agency could also deploy a rapid-response force within 24 hours to address border emergencies and monitor developments online.
The plan aims to build Frontex’s standing corps to 30,000 officers, including a reserve of 17,000 personnel available to member states.
The Commission also proposes an EU Return Coordination Centre, while its plan would narrow the role of Frontex’s internal rights watchdog by sending complaints to national authorities.
Rights groups and some lawmakers warn that expanded powers could weaken accountability; the proposal must now proceed through the EU legislative process.
The European Commission proposed a major expansion of Frontex, the EU border agency, including powers to support deportations beyond EU territory.
The plan would let Frontex help carry out returns between non-EU countries, subject to agreements with those countries and international legal standards.
It also proposes a rapid-reaction force that could deploy within 24 hours and a larger reserve of border officers.
The proposal would narrow the agency’s internal rights watchdog, prompting criticism from rights advocates and lawmakers.
The plan follows a surge of arrivals at Spain’s Ceuta enclave last summer and comes as EU governments focus more on returns.
- Who
- The European Commission proposed the changes to Frontex, the EU border agency.
- What
- It proposed broader powers, including support for deportations between non-EU countries and a rapid-reaction force.
- When
- The Commission unveiled the proposal on October 27, 2026.
- Where
- The proposal concerns EU border operations and possible Frontex operations beyond EU territory.
- Why
- The Commission says the changes would help Frontex respond faster to large-scale arrivals and strengthen returns.
European Commission
Rights advocates and critical lawmakers
Deportations
European Commission
The Commission wants Frontex to take a larger role in returns, including operations between non-EU countries subject to agreements and international legal standards.
Rights advocates and critical lawmakers
Critics warn that cooperation with third countries without proper oversight could threaten fundamental rights and respect for international law.
Oversight
European Commission
The proposal would refer complaints about rights violations to national authorities.
Rights advocates and critical lawmakers
Tineke Strik said the plan risks leaving Frontex staff in legal limbo outside European law and called for a human-rights-based approach.
Leaders of 19 EU countries urged the Commission to support return hubs outside the bloc, according to Politico Europe.
More than 72,000 people arrived in Ceuta from Morocco, reigniting debate over EU migration rules.
The European Commission unveiled its proposal to expand Frontex’s powers.
- Proposed standing corps
- Up to 30,000 officers
- Proposed European border and return reserve
- 17,000 officers by 2041
- Rapid-reaction deployment
- Within 24 hours
- Proposed Frontex budget
- €11.8 billion for the 2028–2034 EU budget cycle
- Ceuta arrivals
- More than 72,000 people from Morocco in late July last summer
5 sources
Schutz der EU-Aussengrenzen – Brüssel plant massiven Ausbau von Frontex
EU proposes expanded Frontex powers beyond bloc's borders
Brüssel legt Pläne vor: Frontex soll bald auch aus Nicht-EU-Ländern abschieben
EU Commission proposes expanding powers of border police force
Frontex set for new powers to deport beyond EU borders in latest overhaul
What people are saying
Today we propose that Frontex becomes the central EU actor on returns
It will be able to act faster, with a quick reaction force that can deploy within 24 hours and spot risks early, before an event becomes a crisis
Working with third countries, without proper oversight or accountability, is a threat to fundamental rights and respect for international law, while leaving Frontex staff in legal limbo outside of European law
The Commission is pandering to populism and the far right on migration