In the European Parliament, MEPs have agreed to beef up the budget for Frontex, in the hope of improving the EU’s border control agency’s effectiveness.
The plan, which is also backed by ministers, will allow the agency to purchase cars, helicopters and other border monitoring equipment instead of relying on the member states. After demands by the European Parliament, the agency will appoint an inspector to ensure respect for human rights.<br><br>The proposals were approved by a large majority (431 in favour, 49 against, 48 abstentions).<br><br>Although Frontex will have its own budget it will continue to be a coordinating agency with day-to-day border control operations remaining the responsibility of EU countries.<br><br>The new budget and equipment will be reserved for special missions in cases of emergency, according to Maltese EPP member Simon Busuttil, who steered the legislation through the EP. "We do not expect to have an army of sorts…but we wanted to have basic equipment that will enable it to engage in missions especially in cases of emergency."<br><br>EU countries must shoulder their responsibilities<br><br>In order to make the changes reality, member states must make good on their promises of staff and equipment. This failure has held the agency back, Mr Busuttil said during the debate on Frontex. "When it came to member states, they did not deliver."<br><br>"This agency was asked to start running before it could walk. Despite every good intention it has not lived up to expectations so far," he said<br><br>MEPs concerned <br><br>In response to Parliament’s concerns about the fundamental rights of immigrants, Frontex will appoint a special fundamental rights officer and a consultative forum set up. If fundamental rights are breached, or the law broken a mission will be suspended or terminated. Frontex will also have to report back to the EP on its fundamental rights work regularly.<br><br>Among other changes, the Frontex border patrols Joint Support Teams and Rapid Border Intervention Teams will now be combined and known simply as European Border Guards. The national guards who make up these teams will be subject to an exchange programme. Frontex coordinates national border guards at EU’s external borders. Based in Warsaw, it was set up 2004, started work 2005 and in 2011 budget had a budget of 88m euros; 6m euros in 2005. <br><br>Meanwhile the EU’s fifth Anti-Trafficking day will be held in Warsaw on Tuesday, October 18. The event—subtitled “Together Against Trafficking in Human Beings”—will provide a platform for the exchange of views.
