EU Proposes Expanding Frontex’s Border and Return Role

The European Commission has proposed expanding Frontex’s role in border operations, migrant returns and monitoring publicly accessible social media, including a rapid-response force and a larger standing corps. The proposals, announced October 27, are not law and must be considered by the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union. The Commission’s plan would gradually increase Frontex’s standing corps to 30,000 officers, including a 17,000-member European Border and Return Reserve. A proposed Quick Reaction Force could be deployed to the European Union’s external borders during emergencies or sudden pressure. A member state facing an emergency could request deployment, with Frontex’s executive director deciding whether to send the force, according to the proposal. The agency would also receive a mandate to monitor publicly accessible social media for developments relevant to border management and security. The Commission says the proposed online-monitoring role would help identify emerging risks and enable action on illegal content. Under the plan, Frontex could report illegal material to national authorities; officials have also described the agency as...