Frontex celebrates 20 years of achievements in European border management

Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, has become a key actor in European integrated border management over the last 20 years. Today, Frontex plays a crucial role supporting Member States in managing the EU's external borders, carrying out returns and contributing significantly to the security of the Schengen Area. In 2025, Frontex celebrates its 20th anniversary, a period marked by significant milestones and achievements.

Key achievements

Since its creation, Frontex has significantly bolstered its border management capabilities to address the evolving needs of Member States in light of the changing situation at the external borders. Some notable achievements include:

• Standing Corps: The EU's first uniformed service with executive powers was developed to bolster the protection of the external borders and respond to emerging security challenges. In 2024, the Agency responded to requests for technical and operational support from almost all Member States, various Schengen Associated Countries and partner third-countries, deploying around 3,500 officers and necessary equipment at land, sea, and air borders.
• European Border Management Teams: Composed of officers from Frontex, all Member States and most Schengen Associated Countries, these teams are deployed to border regions facing high migratory pressure or other security challenges, contributing to a more coordinated and effective European border security response.
• Returns: Since 2021, Frontex provides comprehensive support to EU and Schengen Associated Countries throughout the process to return non-EU nationals who have no legal right to stay in the EU. The Agency’s support spans from initial planning and coordination to the practical implementation of return operations and post-arrival assistance, ensuring streamlined processes and the dignified treatment of the individuals involved.
• Maritime Operations and Exercises: Carried out with other EU Agencies, these operations aim to improve the know-how, information exchange, situational awareness and coordination of national coast guard authorities, contributing to a more secure maritime environment. This has helped the Agency enhance its operational capabilities in the maritime domain, also enabling it to provide additional support to Member States during search and rescue operations.
• Aerial Surveillance: Frontex has developed the capability to deliver high-quality aerial surveillance services over the EU’s pre-frontier areas, by deploying aircrafts and drones with advanced sensors and cameras. This has greatly enhanced Member States’ situational awareness over their borders and beyond, also leading to faster and safer responses to situations of potential distress. In 2024 alone, around 20,000 people were rescued at sea with Frontex’s support.
• Fundamental Rights: Frontex has established a robust framework for good governance and human rights compliance. The Agency’s independent Fundamental Rights Office (FRO) and its Fundamental Rights Monitors regularly deploy to all Frontex operations to monitoring their compliance with human rights while also providing advice to the staff deployed by the Agency. Frontex also relies on the Consultative Forum on Fundamental Rights, which brings together the expertise of relevant civil society organisations, legal experts, international organisations, and EU Agencies, to ensure it can perform its tasks in a fully human rights-compliant manner.

Expansion beyond the EU

In recent years, Frontex has expanded its operations beyond the EU’s borders, launching joint operations with executive powers in support of non-EU partner countries situated along the Western Balkans route towards the EU, as well as Moldova. Through these operations, Frontex deploys staff and equipment that enables these key partner countries to manage their borders safely and effectively, while contributing to the fight against serious cross-border crime.

Cooperation with EU Agencies

Frontex has also been at the forefront of cooperation, partnering with other EU Agencies to enhance its operational capabilities.

It has signed working arrangements with the European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA) and the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA), for instance, to enhance cooperation on coast guard functions. It also works closely with Europol, as the two Agencies’ mandates complement each other to contribute to the Member States’ efforts against cross-border crime. In 2021, Frontex and Interpol launched FIELDS, a state-of-the-art database and toolset designed to support frontline border control officers in identifying fraudulent documents. Among other partnerships, Frontex also enjoys a strong and regular cooperation with the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) and the EU Asylum Agency.

Looking ahead

As the EU continues to evolve within a shifting geopolitical landscape, Frontex too is poised to continue its expansion. The Commission’s political guidelines 2024-2029 aim to ensure that Frontex can count on the tools, technologies, and resources it needs to protect the EU’s borders in all circumstances, with strong governance and in full respect of fundamental rights. The Agency is also set to contribute to the successful implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum.

With its expanded mandate and growing capabilities, Frontex is committed to ensuring the security and integrity of the EU's external borders, while upholding the highest standards of human rights and dignity.

Background

Established in 2005, Frontex was created to enhance cooperation among EU Member States in managing the EU’s external borders and countering serious cross-border crime, such as human trafficking or migrant smuggling. The Agency's first joint land operation was launched in December 2005. It involved eight Member States and marked a significant step forward in strengthening border security and information sharing.