The end of checks at the EU’s internal borders makes effective protection of the common external borders all the more important. Support from Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, plays a central role. In particular, Frontex provides staff and technical support for EU member states on the external borders which are facing significant pressure from migration.

Frontex also assists with training for border guards and return experts of the EU member states. A central aspect here is the introduction of common standards for basic and advanced training. Operational cooperation with third countries is increasingly important too.

Founding and organisational structure

Frontex was established on 1 May 2005 by a decision of the Council (Regulation (EC) 2007/2004 of 26 October 2004). It went into operation on 3 October 2005, with headquarters in Warsaw, as the first European agency to be based in a member state that joined the EU in 2004. Since its founding, Frontex has seen its mandate repeatedly expanded, most recently by Regulation (EU) 2019/1896 of 13 November 2019. Its mandate now includes the following, for example:

• the Standing Corps,
• the possibility to provide operational support to third countries that do not directly border the EU,
• a stronger return mandate, and
• its own fundamental rights monitors.

Frontex currently employs some 1,000 administrative staff at its headquarters in Warsaw. The agency’s executive director is Hans Leijtens of the Netherlands. One of the agency’s three deputy executive directors is Dr Lars Gerdes, formerly of the Federal Police. Since February 2022, he has served as deputy executive director for returns and operations.

In April 2022, Alexander Fritsch of the Federal Police assumed the chair of the Frontex Management Board. The primary responsibility of the Frontex Management Board is overseeing the agency’s activities. The Board decides on

• the annual work programme,
• the agency’s budget,
• its organisational structure and human resources planning.

A Federal Police officer stands on a hill next to a sport utility vehicle and views a valley through binoculars; the sea is visible in the background (Larger version opens in new window) Source: Federal Police Federal Police officer next to a sport utility vehicle

Operational staff

The key content of the current Frontex Regulation is the gradual build-up of a Standing Corps, to consist of 10,000 officers by 2027. For the first time, Frontex will directly employ officers to make up part of the Standing Corps. The remaining operational staff will be long- and short-term staff seconded by the EU member states.

Germany supplies some 160 federal and state police officers as well as various technical equipment to operations coordinated by Frontex. For example, Germany has sent two Federal Police control and patrol boats to assist Frontex in the Aegean Sea.