Greens warn stronger Frontex could weaken accountability in returns

The European Commission plans to present a proposal next week to strengthen the EU border agency Frontex, prompting warnings from Green MEPs that a larger role in returning rejected asylum seekers could put EU law and human rights at risk.

Dutch MEP Tineke Strik, of the Green party PRO, said Frontex could be placed under the command of authorities in non-EU countries during return operations, despite remaining bound by EU standards. She warned that this could make it harder to hold the agency to account if violations occurred.

Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced plans to expand Frontex a month ago. In a recent letter to EU leaders, she said the agency should have the scale, resources and flexibility to support member states when needed, and should help return rejected asylum seekers, including from countries outside the EU.

The Greens are also concerned that Frontex could take a significant role in return centres for rejected asylum seekers in non-EU countries. Strik fears EU governments could use the agency to distance themselves from responsibility for people who have been deported. The Commission’s proposal is due next week; its details have not yet been set out.