Frontex expands capacity as illegal border crossings fall 55%
The EU's border agency is scaling up its operational and digital tools, including a new quick reaction force, to manage a sharp decline in illegal crossings and a rise in deportations following new regulations.
Frontex is scaling its operational capacity and digital infrastructure to manage a record decline in illegal border crossings and an increase in return operations. Illegal border crossings are at their lowest levels since 2021-down 55% over the past two years, according to Executive Vice-President Virkkunen.
The new Return Regulation entered into force on October 16, enabling faster deportations. Frontex carried out nearly 63,500 returns last year, chartering more than 220 flights. The agency also assisted almost 20,000 people in reintegration. The overall return rate has now increased to over 30 percent.
Frontex's standing corps is set to reach 30,000 officers by 2027. This includes 17,000 in a new European Border and Return Reserve. The agency's own staff will double to 6,000, plus 7,000 seconded from Member States. Frontex currently has almost 3,000 staff members, with 10,000 officers expected by 2027.
The EU budget for Frontex reflects this expansion. The current budget for 2021-2027 is almost €6 billion, with a proposed increase to €11.8 billion for 2028-2034.
| Component | Current/Planned Figure | Target Year/Period |
|---|---|---|
| Standing Corps Officers | 30,000 | 2027 |
| European Border and Return Reserve | 17,000 officers | 2027 |
| Frontex Own Staff | 6,000 | 2027 |
| Staff Seconded from Member States | 7,000 | 2027 |
| Current Frontex Staff | Almost 3,000 | Present |
| Expected Officers | 10,000 | 2027 |
| EU Budget (Frontex) | Almost €6 billion | 2021-2027 |
| Proposed EU Budget (Frontex) | €11.8 billion | 2028-2034 |
Strategic shift toward return operations and reintegration
Frontex has restructured its mandate to prioritize return operations and reintegration support from planning to execution. A new Return Coordination Centre will collect and analyse return data and support planning from Member States by November 1 each year. Frontex will be responsible for strategic planning, cost-efficient returns, and reintegration support from A to Z.
The agency will support third-country returns through international agreements, offering technical and operational assistance. It will also support migration diplomacy, including document fraud prevention via a new visa support office. The digitalization of return procedures, under a new regulation, aims to simplify processes, reduce paperwork, and improve data sharing.
Enhanced border security and threat prevention
Frontex is deploying new capabilities to monitor digital threats and prevent security risks at the border. The agency will monitor publicly accessible social media content for illegal material through a dedicated Online Monitoring and Response Centre. Under the Digital Services Act, it will have legal powers to issue notices to platforms or request member state authorities to act.
At the physical border, the Entry/Exit System has stopped 2,000 people posing security threats linked to terrorism or organized crime. The system also turned away 80,000 people with no right to enter the EU directly at the border. To ensure consistent high standards, Frontex will train border guards across all Member States.
Member States must now report border events with significant impact within 24 hours via the EUROSUR network. Commissioner Brunner stated: "Our reforms are delivering. Illegal migration is down. Returns are up. Threats are being stopped at the border." A new Quick Reaction Force will deploy within 24 hours to assist Member States during border emergencies.
