Federal Interior Minister Dobrindt calls for Frontex’s powers to be expanded
CSU politician advocates for a rapid reaction force in crises and an increased role in the return of migrants
Quick Look
- Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt is calling for an expansion of the Frontex mandate.
- He proposes a rapid reaction force for crisis situations at the EU's external borders as well as a stronger role for the agency in returns and so-called return hubs.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The EU has long been discussing tightening migration policy and the role of Frontex at the external borders. Germany, together with other EU states, is pushing forward the idea of deportation centers in third countries.
Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) is calling for significantly more powers for the European border protection agency Frontex - in crisis situations and when returning migrants in general. Before a meeting with more than a dozen other European interior ministers in Munich, the CSU politician called for a significant expansion of the mandate, including for exceptional situations such as the mass arrival of migrants in the Spanish North African exclave of Ceuta in the summer. There should be a separate Frontex force for such cases.
A few days ago, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed a new European crisis response framework for such situations - Dobrindt expressly welcomed the initiative: "A new European migration crisis mechanism is needed."
Dobrindt wants a rapid Frontex reaction force
In cases like the one in Ceuta in the summer, which have nothing to do with a humanitarian emergency, a mechanism must be activated so that returns can be organized quickly, he said. And support is then needed for the countries at the external borders: a rapid reaction force from Frontex should be able to help and support within 24 hours in order to quickly deal with extreme situations.
But even apart from such exceptional situations, Dobrindt advocated an expanded Frontex mandate. “We are convinced that we can make greater use of Frontex in return procedures,” he said. He also cited deportations from transit states as an example - of course only if the countries in question were willing to do so.
Further discussions about “Return Hubs”
Dobrindt also announced further discussions about the establishment of deportation centers in third countries - also known as "return hubs" - at the "Munich Migration Meeting" that he initiated. Germany has been pushing the project forward for some time together with several other EU states.
The EU Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner, emphasized that they definitely wanted to strengthen and expand Frontex. “So that the agency can act faster and act more flexibly before events actually become crises,” he explained. This requires more staff, more flexibility and a larger, more intensive role in returns.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Further discussions about the establishment of return hubs in third countries.
Likely · Within months
Open Questions
- How are other EU states reacting to the call for a 24-hour emergency force?
- Which third countries are willing to accept return hubs?
