# : What is Border Control?
# : What is Schengen?
# : The "four-tier access-control model"
# : Border Management: The Big Picture
Frontex at a Glance
# : The Role of Frontex #: Situation Monitoring and Risk Analysis
#: Joint Operations at the Borders
700 million # : Trainingtravellers crossed the EU’s external borders in 2013. Of those, only 107 000, or 0.015%, did so outside of normal border controls Frontex at a Glance
700 million travellers crossed the EU’s external borders in 2013. Of those, only 107 000, or 0.015%, did so outside of normal border controls What is Frontex? What is Frontex? Frontex at a Glance Frontex at a Glance
What is Frontex?
The full name of Frontex is the European Agency for the Management of Operational Frontex is the EU border control agency. It helps the Cooperation at the External Borders of the Member States of the European Union. countries of Europe manage their borders and keep up Frontex was established by Council Regulation (EC) 2007/2004 on 26 October, 2004 and has its headquarters in Warsaw, the capital of Poland. with changing trends in border control.
4 www.frontex.europa.eu 5 What is Border Control What is Border Control Frontex at a Glance Frontex at a Glance
What is Border Control? Details of a passport stamp confirming border crossing: Throughout the ages, civilisations, empires and nations have marked the boundaries of their territories to control the passage of people, to collect taxes and to defend their lands. Entry stamp
Each stamp contains In the modern world, checks are performed There are three types of border — land, sea the abbreviation A symbol shows which type of the Member on all travellers crossing borders to ensure and air (known in border control as green, of border was crossed: land, State or Schengen- sea, air or railway. they meet all the requirements for legal blue and white borders, respectively). Associated Country. entry. Border control also helps to combat Green and blue borders refer to the land cross-border crimes, such as trafficking in and sea boundaries between officially human beings and the smuggling of drugs recognised Border Crossing Points (BCPs) and other goods. It prevents the import on major roads and rail lines or at sea ports of illegal arms, counterfeit medicines and at which all legitimate crossings should The number on the stamp Entry stamps have identifies the officer endangered species, among other things. take place. The green or blue borders may square corners and responsible for the decision. be monitored by modern surveillance show a square with an arrow going in. There is much more to border technology or human patrols. The term Exit stamp control than meets the eye. ‘air borders’ is rather misleading, as the controls are not at the borders shown on
maps: they are conducted at the passport- The date always appears in red control booths at international airports. followed by a security code which changes at least once a month. Each country has its own security It is at these border crossing points that code, issued by the EU. Frontex does much of its work in assisting the Member States of the European Union The name of the border to effectively manage their borders. Border crossing point is specified on the stamp. guards make sure that people crossing the Exit stamps have border have the necessary identification rounded corners and show a square with and the right to enter the country or an arrow coming out. territory.
This can be a time-consuming process and queues are not uncommon at BCPs during peak travel periods. That is why Frontex invests a lot of time and effort in seeking to get through with a minimum of fuss all about making the border tight enough out new technology to improve the border and delay. Others, however, try to bypass to detect people abusing the system but crossing experience of travellers. border controls either at BCPs by using fluid enough to let legitimate travellers The overwhelming majority of people false documents or hiding in vehicles, or through as quickly as possible. This is crossing borders do so legally and with between BCPs by crossing green or blue a huge task for border authorities, and legitimate reasons, such as for holidays borders on foot or by boat without being one that Frontex was established to help or business trips. These travellers want checked. Modern border management is them achieve.
6 www.frontex.europa.eu 7 What is Schengen? What is Schengen? Frontex at a Glance Frontex at a Glance
What is Schengen? The free movement of people is a central achievement of the EU. In order to advance this freedom the Member States agreed to create a free-travel area between them. Previously, crossing multiple borders caused delays and hampered the movement of people and goods within the Union.
The Schengen Area: Therefore, the Member States decided its own borders — but for the Schengen 22 EU Member States + to eliminate routine internal border Area to work, all its members had to 4 Schengen-Associated controls. On 14 June 1985, in the village of show trust and solidarity. To cultivate this Countries = free internal movement for more than Schengen in Luxembourg, an agreement spirit, strict rules were laid down for new half a billion people. was signed by five countries (Luxemburg, countries to join the area. France, the Netherlands, Belgium and West Germany) that started one of the Before a new country can join, it has to most significant changes in the history have its readiness assessed by evaluators of border management: internal border from the other Member States. These controls between European countries assessments include the quality of its were to be removed. The area inside the border controls and visa systems, respect resulting external borders was named the for human rights, police cooperation with Schengen Area. other countries and protection of personal data, as well as judicial cooperation with The decision to remove internal border other member countries. controls was also politically sensitive. Member States’ citizens valued their In 2015, four countries were waiting to sovereignty — the right of each to control join the Schengen Area: Croatia, Cyprus, Bulgaria and Romania. After joining, each member country is evaluated at least Not all EU Member every five years to ensure it maintains States are in the the necessary standards. But the removal Schengen Area: of internal borders did not leave a single external border. What was left was a series The UK and Ireland decided to of separate sea and land external borders, retain their border controls. sometimes with several authorities Similarly, not all members of having overlapping areas of responsibility. the Schengen area are in the In all cases, Member States bordering EU. These are called Schengen- non-EU countries remain responsible for Associated Countries and are controlling those borders. Frontex was The Schengen Area Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway set up to channel the practical solidarity EU Schengen States and Switzerland. shown by the EU with the countries most Non-Schengen EU States affected by migratory flows. Non-EU Schengen States
8 www.frontex.europa.eu 9 Who has their together with a European citizen. - Third-country nationals holding Schengen Borders Code Frontex at a Glance passport stamped? special permits because they live in - All ‘third-country nationals’ a border area (on the basis of Local (non-EU nationals) with the Border Traffi c Agreements). exception of citizens of “European - Heads of state and other dignitaries micro-states” — Andorra, if the border authority has been Monaco and San Marino. offi cially informed of their expected arrival through diplomatic channels Who is exempt? - Aircraft crews, including pilots. Schengen Borders Code - Seamen stopping at port (as long - Family members of EU and Schengen as they do not leave the port area), The Schengen Borders Code is a document outlining states’ citizens who have a valid including the crews and passengers residence permit and are travelling of some cruise ships. the rules and responsibilities for countries within the Schengen Area.
It requires all participating states to “remove passport and visa) before boarding. All all and any obstacles to the free movement non-EU citizens wishing to enter the of people and goods across borders” within Schengen Area at an external border must the area. Thus, road, rail and air passengers have their passports stamped, although are free from “systematic” passport checks. there are some exceptions (see box). In The code also prohibits systematic controls exceptional circumstances, if a Member for customs and tax purposes, although State believes there is a serious threat security checks are still allowed and are to “public policy or internal security”, the carried out at airports, for instance. The Schengen Borders Code permits that Schengen Borders Code also specifies country’s authorities to reinstate internal the conditions under which permission border controls for a limited period. This may be granted to enter the Schengen sometimes happens as a reaction to Citizens of EU countries can travel freely with Area by crossing an external border. The their cat, dog or ferret if it has a European pet intense migrant flow or during large-scale requirements are: passport. This passport is available from any sports events, such as the Olympics and – to possess a valid travel document; authorised veterinarian and must contain details international football championships, or – to possess a valid visa, if required; of a valid anti-rabies vaccination. National high-level political events. – to have a justified purpose for your stay rules apply to the issuance of pet passports, and to have sufficient funds to support including for other species. The animal requires The Schengen Borders Code states that yourself; an electronic microchip or a readable tattoo with when performing their duties border – to not have an alert issued on you in the the same code as in the passport. guards must fully respect human dignity Schengen Information System (a database and may not discriminate against of missing persons, criminal suspects individuals on the grounds of sex, racial or and people barred from entering the ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, You may carry animals or plants – including Schengen Area, as well as listing age, or sexual orientation. Schengen parts – when you are travelling in EU countries. stolen property, including travel countries are required to deploy But most EU countries have strict rules on documents, and other identified appropriate staff and resources transporting endangered species or products law-enforcement threats); derived from them. Some species in sufficient numbers to ensure – to not be considered a threat to require a permit to travel. During a “high and uniform level of public policy, internal security, outbreaks of animal diseases, control” at their external public health or the international there may also be local restrictions borders. They must ensure that relations of EU countries. on the movement of live animals border guards are properly and products of animal origin. trained. EU and Schengen- It also specifies that airlines Associated Countries also and other carriers must check assist each other with the that their passengers have the effective application of required travel documents (i.a. border controls.
10 www.frontex.europa.eu 11 Border Management: The Big Picture Border Management: The Big Picture Frontex at a Glance Frontex at a Glance
Border Before reaching the border When travellers arrive at a border crossing they should already have all the required documents. Management: These may include a visa in addition to a valid passport and maybe a work permit or other The Big Picture supporting documents, depending on the type of visa presented. All the procedures needed to gain these documents fall within the scope of IBM and Historically, border control meant control of the may involve liaison officers and document experts line between states. But the EU has a wider view of from EU/Schengen countries, as well as special training for officials of Schengen states working in the issue, called Integrated Border Management (IBM). consular posts overseas. Airlines and other carri- ers also have an obligation to ensure that passen- The IBM concept reflects the fact that what happens at the border is only a small gers have the necessary documents. part of any journey. To be effective, border management has to cover the whole process, which starts long before the traveller reaches the border and may continue long afterwards. Knowledge, and to some extent control, of what happens before the border, in the country of departure and in countries of transit, as well as what happens inland once the border has been crossed, is also important. This is only possible if there is Crossing the border effective cooperation between the large number of people and institutions involved. On average, a border guard at an EU airport booth To maintain the balance between easing legitimate travel and policing the border, has just 12 seconds to decide whether someone has integrated border management requires all authorities concerned to work together as the right to enter. Although the most visible part effectively as possible. This means cooperation not only between countries of the EU and of border control, document checks and database Schengen Area but also across the external borders with the authorities of neighbouring queries at border crossing points only form a tiny states and countries of origin of travellers. There are three levels of coordination part of the whole IBM process. involved in the IBM concept: between services (border control, customs, police), between agencies (some countries have several authorities responsible for different aspects of border control) and between countries, whether within or beyond the EU/Schengen Area.
Border control — in the form of border checks and border surveillance as After crossing the border defined in the Schengen Borders Code — is one of the key elements of IBM and includes relevant risk analysis and intelligence on criminal After travellers have entered the EU or Schengen groups and their methods. The other elements are: the detection Area they are still subject to border control. If and investigation of cross-border crime together with other law- they overstay their permitted limit, they may be enforcement authorities; the four-tier access-control model subject to a return decision, which is also part (see p. 14-17); inter-agency cooperation (between border of the integrated border management process. guards, customs, police, national security and others, including People found crossing the border without cooperation with authorities in non-EU countries); and authorisation are interviewed and assessed coordination of the Member States' and EU's activities. on a case-by-case basis. If they wish to claim asylum, they are referred to the relevant national By incorporating all these elements, the intention is to have authority. Those without a legal right to stay can control over the whole process of entering and staying in the be repatriated under the national laws of EU/Schengen Area, not just the process of crossing the border, EU/Schengen countries. which only takes a few seconds in most cases.
12 www.frontex.europa.eu 13 Border control itself is only one Tier : piece of the puzzle. IBM also Measures in ‘third countries’: activities in countries outside the EU/Schengen Area, especially countries Tier : Tier : includes the bigger picture at the of origin and transit. This includes information gathered Activities inside the EU/Schengen Area and between EU Cooperation by immigration liaison officers of the Member States, and Schengen countries: control measures within the EU level, in terms of visa policy, with neighbouring as well as the work of consular staff in issuing visas. territory, including detection, investigation and return of countries, i.e. those asylum policy, return operations people over-staying the legal duration of their visa. countries bordering for people found staying illegally the EU/Schengen Area. and social and foreign policy, Tier : to mention just a few factors. Controls at the external 6 Cooperation with neighbouring land, sea and air borders countries is an important element (border checks and of effective border management. border surveillance). 1 Before people travel to the EU they need to have all the necessary 7 All travellers arriving at the EU external documents: passport, visa and border have their documents checked. other supporting documents. 8 Border surveillance is carried out between 2 People-smuggling networks often authorised crossing points at the sea provide migrants with false travel and land borders. Such surveillance documents that enable them to might involve officers on patrol, specially enter the EU. trained dogs and specialist surveillance equipment. 3 Cooperation with countries outside the EU, or 'third countries', is vital for 9 Apart from document checks, many effective border management. This other activities are carried out at cooperation ranges from the practical border crossing points. These range level, between police and other border- from inspections of animals and animal control services, to diplomatic and products, plants and agricultural policy-level relations. produce to customs. 4 All documents are checked when 10 When people stay longer in the EU than a traveller leaves en route to Europe. legally entitled they receive a ‘return This may involve officials from decision’ saying they have to leave the EU. the Member States, as well as law enforcement agencies locally, airline 11 If following a return decision by a relevant staff and others. authority of an EU country migrants fail to return to their country of origin, they 5 Although the most visible part of border might be forcibly repatriated. control is document checks, officers work to deter and detect offences such 12 The situation at all border crossing points as human trafficking or smuggling of and the green and blue borders between drugs, weapons, animals, plants and them is also constantly monitored by the radioactive materials. Member States and Frontex see page 20
14 www.frontex.europa.eu The Role of Frontex The Role of Frontex Frontex at a Glance Frontex at a Glance
Rapid Response When one of the Member States experiences a large and sudden increase in migratory pressure at its external border it can ask Frontex for the deployment of a rapid response team to the affected area. Members of such teams are The Role trained by Frontex and can be deployed at short notice.see page 22 Operational Assistance When one of the Member States needs assistance managing of Frontex a vulnerable border area Frontex strengthens border control there by deploying border guards and technical equipment made available by the Member States. Such Research & Development assistance coordinated by Frontex is called a joint operation. see page 22 Frontex keeps up with the latest developments in new technology in border surveillance, border control and information management. The agency shares this Combining Resources information with the border authorities in the Member Border authorities make some of their border guards and States. The aim is to use technology to make legitimate technical equipment available to Frontex for use in operations at travel as quick and efficient as possible and enhance the external borders. Frontex pools officers specialised in different border surveillance at the land and maritime borders. areas of border control and equipment ranging from thermo-vision see page 28 vans and patrol boats to aircraft.see page 22
Analysing Data In its daily work Frontex gathers and analyses data on irregular migration and then shares its findings with the Member States, the European Commission and other organisations. Its risk Training Joint Returns analysis reports identify trends in irregular migration at the EU's external borders. Sharing Information Creating a common framework for the Frontex assists countries with the return of people see page 20 training of Europe’s border guards is an who have exhausted all legal possibilities of staying in The Eurosur information sharing platform created by Frontex, which important part of Frontex’s function. Working Europe. When several countries have returnees to be connects National Coordination Centres in individual countries, together with authorities in the Member States, repatriated to the same country, Frontex coordinates allows sharing information on the situation at the external borders Frontex develops training programs in areas ranging flights called Joint Return Operations. It also develops among the Member States. Frontex uses the same network to from the use of specialised equipment to combating best practices and guidelines in this area to ensure all trafficking in human beings.see page 26 rights of the returnees are respected. see page 24 www.frontex.europa.eu18 www.frontex.europa.eu upload updates from its joint operations. see page 21 Situation Monitoring and Risk Analysis Situation Monitoring and Risk Analysis Frontex at a Glance Frontex at a Glance
Situation Monitoring and Risk Analysis There is more to border control than border surveillance and checking passports.
In fact, border control cannot just rely The FSC maintains the clearest possible on the document checks at the various picture of the most recent developments crossing points and border surveillance at EU borders. By constantly monitoring between them. Effective border Frontex’s own operations, media sources Frontex also created Eurosur, a framework Frontex joint operations at the external management also requires an accurate and information from Member States’ that supports Member States by providing borders and other activities. and timely picture of the external borders border authorities, the FSC keeps the them with quicker access to useful and an analysis of possible threats and agency and its partners constantly up information about what is happening at Frontex creates detailed and specific risk vulnerabilities. to date through daily reports, bulletins EU borders. analyses at the request of Member States and alerts. This service is particularly and institutions such as the European For the management of Europe’s borders important during joint operations Frontex produces regular risk analysis Commission to assist decision making to be consistent, timely information flow and emergency situations. Once this reports on trends in irregular migration at the national and European level. In is key. For this reason, much of Frontex's information arrives at the agency, Frontex and cross-border crime, including new addition, Frontex prepares reports on daily work is related to gathering, analysing analyses the data and the information methods used by criminal groups. It also specific aspects of border control, such as and disseminating information about gathered and produces structured estimates likely future developments combating trafficking in human beings or the situation at the external borders and assessments of risks at the borders along with recommendations for action, the use of false documents. identifying potential risks. While Frontex related to irregular migration and which are then used in the planning of risk analysts concentrate on analysing cross-border crime. the past and predicting future trends in migration, the Frontex Situation Centre’s (FSC) job is to focus on the present.
20 www.frontex.europa.eu Joint Operations at the Borders Joint Operations at the Borders Frontex at a Glance Frontex at a Glance
Joint Operations at the Borders When there is exceptional migratory pressure at one of the external borders, Frontex may assist the authorities of that country.
In such cases Frontex musters the the people smuggling networks. The resources of all member states willing to behaviour of officers serving in joint contribute border guards and technical operations is subject to a Code of equipment, and coordinates their Conduct, which ensures adherence to deployment to a specific location – this best practices in border control, the maybe at a land or sea border or at any of highest professional standards and the international airports. During a joint respect for the fundamental rights of operation officers from Member States all involved. and Schengen-Associated Countries (SAC) patrol and conduct border checks, always Most costs of joint operations related together with officers from the country to the deployment of border guards hosting the operation. All joint operations and technical equipment are covered by are carried out according to a clearly Frontex. Upon completion, every joint defined and legally binding operational operation is evaluated in terms of its plan which specifies its objectives and effectiveness against the objectives set defines the area and the duration of the in the operational plan. operation. The border guards deployed by the Member States to Frontex- The agency may also dispatch rapid coordinated joint operations, called guest response teams to assist Member officers, and the crews of vessels and States facing a situation of urgent and aircraft work under the command of the exceptional pressure at their borders. hosting country, which has a leading operational role on the territory of its Sea operations and state. However, guest officers have full search and rescue rights of border guards, including the right Saving lives at sea is always the first to intercept and detain irregular migrants. priority. Consequently, every time a boat in distress is detected operational In addition to border surveillance and activities coordinated by Frontex are border checks, in some operations suspended. The national Search-And- Frontex may also deploy screeners who Rescue (SAR) coordination centre takes help to establish the nationalities of operational command over, redirecting migrants and their protection needs, as vessels and aircraft to the place of well as debriefers who gather information incident. Such SAR operations contribute voluntarily provided by migrants on to saving thousands of lives every year.
22 www.frontex.europa.eu 23 Joint Return Operations Joint Return Operations Frontex at a Glance Frontex at a Glance
Joint Return Operations In addition to border control operations, Frontex also coordinates joint return operations (JROs).
When a third country national has States. However, in situations when migrants to a specific country. Member State organising the flight, where they exhausted all legal possibilities of staying several Member States want to return States have several weeks to express board a chartered plane. Returnees in EU territory, either he has overstayed migrants to the same country it is more interest. Once the list of returnees has accompanied by escorts fly together to his visa, his residence permit has run efficient and cost effective to share the been confirmed, migrants accompanied their country of origin, where they are out or his asylum application has been same flight. Such joint return flights, by escorting officers fly to the Member handed over to the national authorities. rejected, he can be repatriated to his which are organised by one of the country of origin on the basis of an Member States, are coordinated and individual return decision ordered by co-financed by Frontex. First the agency a judicial process of the Member State informs all Member States of concerned. the possibility of using a joint return flight In such cases the migrant receives an to repatriate official notice to leave the EU country and if he does not do so voluntarily, he might be forcibly returned to his country on board a return flight organised by the national authorities.
Over 96% of return flights are organised by individual Member
Code of Conduct and Best Practices To ensure respect for dignity and rights of the returnees and the safety of all aboard, Frontex employees and escorts are subject to the Frontex Code of Conduct for Return Operations. In addition, escorts and Frontex employees who participate in JROs undergo special Frontex training. Over the years Frontex has also gathered valuable knowledge on how to organise returns, which it now shares as best practices with the member states. These include the obligatory presence of medical personnel and interpreters on return flights.
24 www.frontex.europa.eu Training Training Frontex at a Glance Frontex at a Glance
Training Diff erent countries have diff erent needs and priorities when it comes to border control. Partnership for all border guards, as well as mid- and Countries in the Schengen Area have allows border guards from different high-level curricula for senior officers. Academies different types of borders and different countries to work effectively together. needs when it comes to border This is of particular importance during The CCC consists of a general part and To help create high and management. For example, Austria and joint operations, when having the same modules for sea, air and land borders, common standards in border Hungary have no sea borders, while Malta goals, methods and standards, and and has been translated into various EU and Iceland have no land borders. With compatible terminology is of paramount languages. A mid-level course focuses control in Europe, Frontex 22 Member States and four Schengen- importance. These include knowledge on European cooperation, leadership has developed a network Associated Countries, the Schengen of human rights and its application in and management, and fundamental Area has a diverse range of needs and border control, recognition of vulnerable rights. The European Joint Degree Study of Partnership Academies. approaches to border security. For these groups, sensitivity to cultural diversity, and Programme, also developed by Frontex, systems to work together some degree good social and communication skills, to is a professionally oriented 1.5-year These are typically police or border guard of harmonisation is required, not least in mention just a few. master’s programme. academies in individual Member States terms of training. Although the agency which cooperate with Frontex in furthering does not replace national training, it For this reason Frontex, together with the Frontex has also developed a wide range its training goals. Frontex develops training creates a training framework which Member States and other partners, has of training courses for specialist skills in programs and trains the trainers, who in turn created a Common Core Curriculum (CCC) border control. These include areas as deliver instruction to border guards from diverse as language training, countering across Europe. trafficking in human beings, detection of falsified documents and stolen vehicles, At Partnership Academies border guards and training in interviewing irregular receive both practical and theoretical training migrants to gather information about in skills such as sea or mountain survival, people-smuggling networks. use of night vision goggles, identification of victims of trafficking in human beings, detection of forged documents and less technical but equally important fields, such Best practices as fundamental rights and ethics. One of the ways in which Frontex helps the Member States to achieve high and uniform standards in border management is through the collection of best practices. The agency identifies, collects and disseminates best practices in all areas of border management. Frontex produces manuals of best practices in areas as diverse as escorting returnees on joint return flights to Automated Border Control systems and passport checks at border crossing points. Promotion of best practices also plays an important role in the agency's 27 training activities. Research & Development Research & Development Frontex at a Glance Frontex at a Glance
Research & Development
Modern technology presents both opportunities and challenges for border control.
On the positive side, use border checks and border surveillance – of technology allows and it is part of Frontex's job to help faster and more Member States stay up to date. Frontex efficient passage for bridges the gap between the world of the travellers going industry, research organisations and through busy airports. scientists and the work of border control Facial recognition by acting as an interface between the technology and two. The agency does so by gathering biometric passports can Automated information on the practical challenges be harnessed to make life Border Control faced at the border and transmitting it to easier and safer at the border. those who conduct research in this area. One of the main areas of At the same time, Frontex surveys the On the other hand, the techniques used interest of border authorities world of research and development and by criminal groups to forge or falsify is Automated Border keeps border guards informed about travel documents are also increasingly Control (ABC). With the relevant new developments. sophisticated and present border guards growing volume of passenger with a challenge. traffi c worldwide, ABC gates Frontex participates in the definition and are becoming more common assessment of research projects focused on Consequently, border technologies need to and it is of great importance border surveillance funded by the European be sufficiently flexible to adapt to changing that diff erent types of gates Commission. The agency also supports the circumstances and diverse conditions are able to read all biometric application of new systems developed to across national borders, and meet specific passports. Frontex's work facilitate crossing the EU borders by bona needs of border guards at land, sea and aimed at the harmonisation fide travellers, such as ABC. air borders. In an EU with no internal of these technologies has fos- border controls and with common external tered better understanding of However, there is more to Frontex‘s borders, another key challenge lies in the how these systems work and research and development function than ability of different systems and national how they can help manage technology. Important social research authorities to work together. large passenger fl ows without subjects, such as ethics in border compromising security. management, risk analysis methodology Technology is increasingly important in the or how best to tackle corruption, are also two main fields of border management – within its remit.
28 www.frontex.europa.eu 29 Frontex's Partners Frontex's Partners Frontex at a Glance Frontex at a Glance
Frontex's Partners
Frontex builds cooperation with border authorities in countries located beyond the EU and Schengen Area and with a wide range of European institutions and international organisations.
Cooperation with different partners, such UN High Commissioner for Refugees as neighbouring countries, international (UNHCR), the International Organization organisations and NGOs, is a very important for Migration (IOM) and a number aspect of effective border management. of other organisations. In addition, Many Member States sign bilateral Frontex has established close ties with agreements with neighbouring countries the International Centre for Migration that allow operational cooperation at the Policy Development (ICMPD) in the field border. Frontex also cooperates with border of management of migratory flows. authorities in third countries; it does so in Frontex's role in the development of the line with EU external relations policy and on Eurosur information exchange platform, the basis of individual bilateral agreements called working arrangements. In the ten years of its existence, Frontex has signed 20 working arrangements with countries Consultative Forum in Europe and beyond, including countries The Consultative Forum bordering the EU, such as Turkey, and the advises the Management Western Balkans, and African countries, Board and the Executive such as Nigeria and Cape Verde. These Director on all fundamental agreements provide the framework for rights matters related to cooperation in the different fields of activity border control, including covered by Frontex – from exchange of development and information and cooperation in the area implementation of Frontex's of risk analysis to training, research and fundamental rights strategy development and operational cooperation. and codes of conduct for border guards. The Frontex also has ties to law enforcement Consultative Forum is made agencies, such as Europol and Interpol, up of nongovernmental for example in areas such as Trafficking which foresees provision of different Centre) and EFCA (The European Fisheries organisations, such as Amnesty in Human Beings and drug smuggling. services for the Member States (from Control Agency). International, European bodies Ultimately, borders are about people, detailed weather forecasts to systems (including FRA and EASO) and including vulnerable groups that need allowing identification of vessels), Last, but not least, Frontex cooperates international organisations, to be recognised and protected. The requires close partnership with EMSA closely with the Fundamental Rights such as the UNHCR. Agency works with the European Asylum (the European Maritime Safety Agency), Agency (FRA) to promote fundamental Support Office (EASO), the Office of the EUSC (the European Union Satellite rights in all aspects of border management.
30 www.frontex.europa.eu 31 Frontex's Management Board Frontex's Management Board Frontex at a Glance Frontex at a Glance
Frontex's Management Board
While the day-to-day management of Frontex is the responsibility of the Executive Director, Frontex's Management Board oversees all the activities of the agency.
The Management Board is composed development of the Schengen acquis), of two representatives of the European who have limited voting rights. Commission and representatives of the heads of the border authorities The Board meets five times a year and all of the 26 Member States that are meetings are convened by its Chairperson, signatories of the Schengen acquis. These who is elected for a four-year term by the 28 management board members have full management board members. voting rights. Among other things, the Board The Board also comprises representatives establishes the agency's budget and from non-Schengen EU Member States verifies its execution, approves annual the United Kingdom and Ireland, as well and multiannual programmes of work, as Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway and ensures transparent decision-making Switzerland (countries that are not EU procedures are in place, and appoints members but which are associated with the Executive and Deputy Executive the implementation, application and Directors.
Financial Accountability Once the annual Frontex budget has been endorsed by the Management Board, it is presented to the European Commission and must be approved by the European Parliament and the European Council. Frontex is also legally required to report about each year’s activities and expenses to the European Parliament, the European Council, the Commission, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Court of Auditors. In addition, every year the European Court of Auditors performs an audit of the final accounts from the previous year.
32 www.frontex.europa.eu 33
#: What is Frontex?
#: Frontex's Partners
# : Schengen Borders Code
# : Research & Development
# : #: Frontex's Management Board Joint Return Operations
The European Agency for the Management of Operational Cooperation at the External Borders of the Member States of the European Union.
Copyright (c) 2015 Frontex. Plac Europejski 6 All rights reserved. 00-844 Warsaw, Poland ISBN 978-92-95205-12-3 (paperback) doi: 10.2819/3864 T +48 22 205 95 00 TT-01-14-644-EN-C F +48 22 205 95 01 ISBN 978-92-95205-03-1 (PDF) [email protected] doi: 10.2819/35828 www.frontex.europa.eu TT-01-14-644-EN-N