Exclusive: EU to give Frontex new powers to deport migrants from outside Europe

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1. 1h ago

   EU Proposes New Deportation Powers for Frontex

   The European Union is planning a major overhaul of its border agency, Frontex, to grant it new powers to deport irregular migrants from outside European borders. Under proposals put forward by the European Commission, the agency would assist in returning migrants between non-EU countries, such as through cooperation with North African nations to send individuals back to their countries of origin before they reach Europe. The reform also seeks to establish a Frontex reaction force for short-notice deployment at external borders, increase agency resources, and grant powers to track migration discussions on social media.

   Why it matters

   This overhaul follows a rush of migrants into Ceuta during the summer and a subsequent push by the European Union to strengthen border security and streamline deportations. Brussels intends to transform Frontex into the central returns agency for the bloc. However, human rights organizations have raised concerns that the reforms will weaken oversight and accountability while failing to expand the agency's human rights obligations.

   What is confirmed

   • The European Union plans to grant Frontex new powers to assist in deporting irregular migrants between non-EU countries.
   • The European Commission proposed setting up a Frontex reaction force to be deployed at external borders on short notice during emergencies.
   • Human rights groups have warned that the proposed reforms could weaken human rights safeguards and oversight.

   What to watch next

   • Official legislative responses from European Union member states and the European Parliament
   • Further details regarding the human rights monitoring and accountability mechanisms attached to the Frontex overhaul
   Sources used for this update (19)

   1. www.straitstimes.com — Oil edges lower following three days of gains
   2. www.euronews.com — French debt | Euronews
   3. Euronews.com — Exclusive: EU to give Frontex new powers to deport migrants from outside Europe
   4. politico.eu — Frontex set for new powers to deport beyond EU borders in latest overhaul
   5. U.S. News & World Report — EU Commission Proposes Expanding Powers of Border Police Force
   6. Financial Times — EU’s border agency to boost powers to return irregular migrants
   7. CGTN — EU COMMISSION PROPOSES SETTING UP A FRONTEX REACTION FORCE TO BE DEPLOYED AT EXTERNAL BORDERS ON SHORT NOTICE IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
   8. Yahoo — EU seeks deportation powers for beefed up border agency
   9. politico.eu — Frontex gets power to track migration talk on social media
   10. Migration and Home Affairs — Commission proposes a stronger Frontex: more resources, a greater role on returns and effective crisis response
   11. Yahoo — EU proposes tripling Frontex border agency force after Ceuta crisis
   12. dw.com — EU plans to strengthen Frontex border force following rush of migrants into Ceuta in the summer
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