The push comes just months after EU lawmakers approved a new “return regulation” aimed at accelerating deportations and allowing member countries to establish controversial deportation hubs outside the EU.
With the legal framework largely agreed, Brussels is now turning its attention to enforcement — and to the agency expected to help make the new rules work in practice.
Political pressure has also been mounting. In June, the leaders of 19 EU countries urged the Commission to support the establishment of return hubs outside the bloc, including through EU funding, as first reported by POLITICO.
The proposed Frontex overhaul, which is on the College of Commissioners’ agenda and is expected to be approved by the EU executive on Oct. 27, would help put that broader shift into practice by giving the agency more resources, greater operational flexibility and an expanded role in carrying out returns beyond EU borders, including transfers between third countries.
Emergency response
But deportations are only part of the equation.
The Commission also wants to transform Frontex into a force that can intervene in border emergencies within 24 hours, according to the two officials.