Border security in Europe analysis

July 30, 2024

Border 4 — image: ©hamzaturkkol | iStock

Open Access Government analyses border security in Europe, including comments on migratory challenges in 2024 and The Pact on Migration and Asylum

The European Border and Coast Guard Agency, also known as Frontex, aids EU Member States and countries within the Schengen Area in overseeing the EU’s external borders and combating crime that crosses national boundaries. (1) Hans Leijtens has been serving as Frontex’s Executive Director since March 1, 2023. Were you aware that Leijtens was a member of the Agency’s Management Board from 2011 to 2015 and again from 2019 to 2022? (2)

Migratory challenges for Europe in 2024

In March 2024, Frontex published its yearly report, offering a detailed examination of the migratory challenges Europe is encountering and predicting future patterns for the year 2024.

In 2023, the European continent experienced a notable rise in irregular migration, mirroring the geopolitical obstacles in adjacent areas. With more than 420,000 unauthorised border entries and exits recorded (approximately 380,000 on entry and 62,000 at the exit), specialised experts scrutinised these trends to inform Frontex’s strategic direction and operational strategies for the upcoming year.

Experts at Frontex anticipate that irregular migration will continue to be a significant challenge in 2024. “European border management will face a complex geopolitical environment this year, with the possibility of increased migration and cross-border crime. These challenges are likely to impact primarily the Central and Eastern Mediterranean migratory routes. An increase in pressure there could also affect the Western Balkans,” according to Frontex.

The main points involve increased actions to reduce people’s movement, concentrating on sustainable solutions together with the European Union (EU) and local governments. The possibility of increased secondary movements and the arrival of individuals with a higher risk level requires robust and flexible border control strategies.

Furthermore, crimes that occur across international borders are expected to be driven by factors such as natural disasters and unrest, which force people to flee their homes. This situation puts those who are already marginalized at risk and exposes them to dangers such as human trafficking and increased vulnerability to exploitation. (3)

The welfare of children in border activities

Also, we read about the exploitation of children as one of the top cross-border crimes, a far cry from our hope that they grow and shine brightly like stars in a safe environment.

Since 2009, Frontex has prioritized children’s welfare in border activities. This led to anti-trafficking initiatives and the creation of the VEGA handbook in 2015 (about children on the move), providing guidelines for supporting young individuals, especially those travelling alone.

“To spot vulnerable people, you can’t just look at travel documents – you need to observe how people behave. This is especially crucial for children, who might not be able to express their distress verbally,” Edita Urbanovic, Programme Coordinator, IOM Office in Lithuania, observed in the midst of border officers feeling the need to guarantee safety and verify papers, this could lead to difficulty in identifying indications of at-risk people.

Razvan Budeanu, Head of Law Enforcement Sector a.i. at Frontex added that it’s crucial to involve border patrol officers and equip them to identify any potentially concerning scenarios involving children on the move. “Borders may be one of the few places where well trained officers can spot and identify potential victims and help them realise their situation or simply protect them. Even more importantly, this can be the initial point for opening a case that can lead to the dismantling of a trafficking ring,” Razvan said. (4)

The Pact on Migration and Asylum

The Pact on Migration and Asylum contains a series of fresh regulations aimed at overseeing immigration and creating a unified asylum framework across the EU. Frontex will have a multifaceted function in its enforcement.

Passed by a European Parliament vote on 10th April 2024 and officially endorsed by the Council of the EU on 14th May 2024, the Pact guarantees that the Union maintains robust and protected external boundaries, upholds the rights of individuals, and ensures that no EU nation faces isolation during times of pressure.

This will also offer increased support to countries on the frontlines in handling influxes of migrants, cross-border crimes, or attempts by non-EU nations to exploit migration.

The updated migration and asylum laws will take effect twenty days after being published in the Official Journal of the EU. Member countries have two years to implement the new legislation, with full application expected by mid-2026. (5)

EESC view on border security in Europe

The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) approved and stated the importance of a unified approach, better coordination, and the safeguarding of fundamental rights in the management of European borders, as outlined in the European Integrated Border Management Strategy (EIBM).

The EESC is firmly convinced that a well-defined strategy is essential to enhance procedures at external borders, safeguard the security of EU citizens inside the EU, and protect the fundamental rights that support the concept of unrestricted movement across the EU.

The EIBM seeks to improve collaboration among EU agencies and instruments, those with border management responsibilities, and the exchange of information to ensure the safeguarding of human rights. To execute the strategy successfully, the EESC emphasises the importance of proficient Frontex fundamental rights monitors. (6)

“To have a real impact, the fundamental rights monitors must be in sufficient numbers, well-qualified, autonomous, and present in all relevant locations, including border sites,” said José Antonio Moreno Díaz from the EESC, writing for Open Access Government in 2023. (7)