By Martin Banks - 13th September 2011
Free movement is supposed to be one of the EU's guiding principles
Sarah Ludford
Parliament today adopted a commission proposal to strengthen the EU's border management agency.
It means the agency, called Frontex, will have more equipment and personnel from member states at its disposal, enabling it to better coordinate the border patrol operations of member states.
The parliamentary decision was welcomed by Cecilia Malmström, EU commissioner responsible for home affairs.
Speaking on Tuesday, she said, "Travel flows are increasing and security threats need to be addressed in the most effective manner.
"The EU needs to commit to continuous improvements and be ready to adapt to new challenges and an ever changing reality, while fully respecting the rights of people fleeing war and persecution and looking to Europe for protection."
She added, "Against this backdrop, the amended regulation contains important changes that will strengthen safeguards so as to guarantee the full respect of fundamental rights and improve the ability of Frontex to support member states more efficiently and more independently.
"The commission therefore welcomes parliament's support for a stronger and more efficient Frontex."
The commission says that while Frontex proved to be "useful" in providing a framework for member states to cooperate with each other when faced with particular pressures on their external borders, operational cooperation "could still be improved".
Under its new powers, the agency will deploy European border guard teams in the near future. These teams will consist of national border guards assigned or seconded by member states.
More technical resources will be at the agency's disposal, and it will now have the ability to acquire or lease its own technical equipment such as vessels or helicopters for border surveillance.
Frontex will also be able to strengthen its cooperation with third countries and will have the possibility to provide them with technical assistance.
"With these changes the Frontex agency will be better prepared to face the challenges at the external borders of the EU together with member states," said a commission spokesman.
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