EU unveils five-point plan to strengthen external borders

The European Commission has presented a new five-point plan to prevent and respond to “sudden and massive irregular arrivals”, with the main goal of strengthening the protection of the European Union’s external borders and preparing member states against potential crises.

Although irregular crossings at the external borders are, according to the Commission, at their lowest level since 2021, recent developments at the eastern borders and in the Mediterranean show the need for reinforced measures remains. A typical example of that need is the crisis that occurred this summer in Ceuta, which highlighted how quickly a massive influx can occur and create emergency conditions, according to the European Commission.

Five lines of action

The European plan rests on five main directions: strengthening cooperation with third countries to prevent irregular migration, further reinforcing the external borders, improving early-warning and surveillance mechanisms, fighting migrant-smuggling and human-trafficking networks and, finally, implementing returns more effectively.

On cooperation with partner countries, the Commission is promoting more intensive information exchange, monitoring of migratory routes and the development of early-warning mechanisms. In parallel, closer coordination is foreseen between Frontex, Europol and Eurojust, while the creation of coordination centres of the European Border Surveillance System (EUROSUR) in cooperation with third countries is being considered.

Strengthening the external borders

The Commission is also drafting a new European framework for handling emergencies at the external borders, particularly in cases where large population movements are used as a means of exerting pressure.

In the same context, Frontex’s role is being reinforced, with the aim of deploying personnel and technical equipment faster through its standing corps. It also foresees greater involvement of the Agency in return procedures, as well as expanded surveillance capabilities at the external borders and in the areas before them.

Digital surveillance also has a special place in the plan. The Commission wants to strengthen Frontex’s ability to use information from social media to better capture the situation at the borders. At the same time, member states are called on to transmit information to EUROSUR in due time and to immediately report developments that could affect the external borders.

Online disinformation is also in the crosshairs. The plan foresees measures to fight disinformation and misinformation linked to irregular migration.

The Commission proposes creating new cooperation protocols with very large online platforms and search engines, as well as digital partnerships with partner countries to identify and address content that, according to the Commission, could encourage irregular migration flows.

Measures against traffickers

A significant part of the initiative concerns dismantling migrant-smuggling and human-trafficking networks. The Commission calls on the Council to proceed with adopting the proposed sanctions framework against smugglers, while asking the European Parliament to speed up procedures for the revised directive on facilitating unauthorized entry and stay.

At the same time, closer cooperation is foreseen with online platforms, financial institutions and digital payment providers, with the aim of identifying financial transactions linked to illegal trafficking activities.

Focus on returns

The final pillar focuses on strengthening returns. The Commission proposes closer cooperation with third countries on readmission, greater use of Frontex and increased support for return, readmission and reintegration processes.

At the same time, the digitalization of the relevant procedures is being promoted, with the aim of reducing bureaucracy and speeding up case processing.

Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner underlined that the EU seeks to strengthen the external borders, cooperation with countries of origin and transit, Frontex and crisis-response mechanisms, within the framework of the broader European migration strategy.

The plan is expected to be presented to the Member States at the Justice and Home Affairs Council meeting on 1 and 2 October. The Commission underlines that its implementation requires close coordination among Member States, the European agencies active in the justice and home affairs field and the European institutions.