{"id":2227660,"date":"2026-10-29T13:12:53","date_gmt":"2026-10-29T10:12:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2227660"},"modified":"2026-10-29T13:12:53","modified_gmt":"2026-10-29T10:12:53","slug":"europes-own-ice-inside-brussels-plans-to-triple-frontex-and-expand-deportation-powers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2227660","title":{"rendered":"Europe\u2019s own ICE? Inside Brussels plans to triple Frontex and expand deportation powers"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/96\/91\/25\/1200x675_cmsv2_5d829fe3-9078-5bfa-8267-c2f6a8e53e43-9969125.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2937811-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2937811\" data-cid=\"9972654\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2937811-label-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/97\/26\/54\/189x106_cmsv2_460dd171-90b1-55b5-84d6-368311c150a8-9972654.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"People observing minute of silence at site of train crash\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    No Comment<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Spain: minute of silence for train crash victims as king visits hospital\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2937787-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2937787\" data-cid=\"9972548\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2937787-label-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/97\/25\/48\/189x106_cmsv2_106c4b8b-216f-55c2-89f5-b119af44fec3-9972548.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Martha Fawaz&apos;s (FRA) osoto-gari.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Sport<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    The World Judo Tour returns to Abu Dhabi with Day 1 wins\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2937804-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1\" data-nid=\"2937804\" data-cid=\"9972610\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2937804-label-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/97\/26\/10\/189x106_cmsv2_c0b0af00-63bf-5bf3-ab74-01fe822a8bd2-9972610.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Patrick Stewart\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Culture news<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Actor Patrick Stewart, star of &#8216;Star Trek&#8217; and &#8216;X-Men&#8217;, dies aged 86\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2937654-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1\" data-nid=\"2937654\" data-cid=\"9972069\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2937654-label-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/97\/17\/46\/189x106_cmsv2_b2374c78-3e71-5ac4-9eea-4e1bcdc59aed-9971746.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"ARX ROBOTICS GEREON UGV with ROBONEERS SABER\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Germany and Ukraine test armed ground robot for frontline deployment\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"helper-site-row o-article-newsy\">\n<div class=\"helper-site-container o-article-newsy__container\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__main\">\n<header class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__header\">\n<nav aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs\">\n<div id=\"adb-article-breadcrumb\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs__list\">\n<p>                          News<\/p>\n<p>                          Europe<\/p>\n<p>                          Europe News<\/p><\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<h1 class=\"c-article-redesign-title\">\n                            Europe\u2019s own ICE? Inside Brussels plans to triple Frontex and expand deportation powers<\/h1>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-video u-position-relative \">\n<div class=\"js-superdiv u-aspect-ratio-16x9 u-position-relative \" data-controller=\"video-player\" data-sponsored=\"Partner content\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"js-poster-img c-article-media__img\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/96\/91\/25\/1536x864_cmsv2_5d829fe3-9078-5bfa-8267-c2f6a8e53e43-9969125.jpg\" width=\"1536\" height=\"864\" loading=\"eager\" alt=\"Frontex and Greek coast guard vessels take part in a search and rescue operation, after the capsizing of a boat carrying migrants, off Lesbos on April 3, 2025\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-caption u-position-absolute\"><i id=\"article-caption-content\" class=\"c-article-caption__content\"><span class=\"c-article-caption__text\"><br \/>\n              Frontex and Greek coast guard vessels take part in a search and rescue operation, after the capsizing of a boat carrying migrants, off Lesbos on April 3, 2025<br \/>\n                    <span class=\"u-color-white\">&#8211;\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__copyright\">Copyright\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__credit\">AP Photo<\/span><\/span><\/i><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-copyright c-article-image-copyright--novideo\">\n      Copyright\u00a0AP Photo\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__body u-article-content\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__contributors-publication-date\">\n<div class=\"c-article-contributors\">\n  By&amp;nbspVincenzo Genovese\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-publication-date\" data-timestamp=\"1793279573\">\n                    Published on                 <time datetime=\"2026-10-29T14:12:53+01:00\">29 October 2026 &#8211; 14:12 GMT+1<\/time><span class=\"c-article-publication-date__bullet\">\u2022<\/span>Updated<br \/>\n                                     <time datetime=\"2026-10-29T14:31:37+01:00\">14:31<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-share-comment-share\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Share<\/span><\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Comments<\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label c-article-share-comment__label--always\">Add Euronews on Google<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup-overlay js-c-article-share-comment-popup-overlay u-display-none\">\n<div id=\"js-c-article-share-comment-popup\" class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup js-c-article-share-comment-popup\">\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup__header u-display-flex\"><span>Share<\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/images\/vector\/icon-close.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"Close Button\" class=\"u-cursor-pointer js-c-article-share-comment-close\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup__content u-display-flex\">\n<div id=\"share-comment-popup-content-container\" class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup__content__container u-display-flex\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-facebook.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"facebook\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Facebook<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-facebook.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"facebook\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-twitter.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"twitter\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Twitter<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-twitter.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"twitter\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-flipboard.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"flipboard\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Flipboard<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-flipboard.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"flipboard\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-send.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"send\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Send<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-send.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"send\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-reddit.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"reddit\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Reddit<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-reddit.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"reddit\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-linkedin.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"linkedin\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Linkedin<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-linkedin.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"linkedin\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-messenger.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"messenger\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Messenger<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-messenger.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"messenger\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-telegram.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"telegram\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Telegram<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-telegram.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"telegram\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-vk.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"vk\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>VK<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-vk.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"vk\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-bluesky.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"bluesky\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Bluesky<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-bluesky.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"bluesky\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-threads.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"threads\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Threads<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-threads.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"threads\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"whatsapp\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Whatsapp<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"whatsapp\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"c-article-summary\">\n        The European Commission wants to triple Frontex&#8217;s workforce and give it sweeping new powers to deport migrants beyond EU borders and monitor social media, prompting warnings over surveillance and fundamental rights.<br \/>\n    <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-content js-article-content\">\n<p>The EU&#8217;s border and coastguard agency, Frontex, is set to gain unprecedented powers to deport irregular migrants, monitor social media and respond to mass arrivals at EU borders under a sweeping reform proposed by the European Commission.<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>The overhaul would significantly expand Frontex&#8217;s mandate, triple its workforce and give it a much greater role in deportations beyond EU territory.<\/p>\n<p>Brussels says the changes are needed to tackle new migration challenges, including orchestrated border crossings such as the mass arrival of an estimated 80,000 people in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta in July.<\/p>\n<p>But the proposals have already sparked controversy, with critics warning that the agency&#8217;s expanded powers and budget could lead to further fundamental rights violations and intrusive surveillance.<\/p>\n<p>Here are the main elements of the reform, which must still be approved by EU member states and the European Parliament.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>New focus on deportations<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>One of the most significant changes is a shift in Frontex&#8217;s focus from managing the EU&#8217;s external borders towards deporting irregular migrants.<\/p>\n<p>The agency will become the &#8220;central EU actor on returns&#8221;, providing &#8220;support from A to Z&#8221;, according to EU Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner.<\/p>\n<p>While responsibility for returning irregular migrants to their countries of origin remains with EU countries, the agency will help by identifying the individuals to be returned, operating return flights and providing reintegration assistance through a new Return Coordination Centre.<\/p>\n<p>Crucially, the agency will also be able to operate from one non-EU country to another, a major change that would allow Frontex officials to help deport migrants before they even reach Europe.<\/p>\n<p>This means they will also take part in deportations from return hubs to countries of origin, as a recently approved law allows such hubs to be set up outside the EU. <\/p>\n<p>Civil society organisations claim this system would be opaque and difficult to scrutinize.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe Commission wants to turn Frontex into a deportation agency operating far beyond Europe\u2019s borders, where abuses will be harder to expose\u201d, Iftach Cohen, co-director of NGO Front-LEX, told Euronews.<\/p>\n<p>Any cooperation with a third country will require a specific agreement with the country concerned, to be negotiated by the Commission and finally approved by the EU member states and Parliament.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis is shameful and makes Frontex closer and closer to Donald Trump\u2019s ICE,\u201d Italian socialist MEP Cecilia Strada told Euronews, referring to the controversial US agency in charge of apprehending and deporting irregular migrants.<\/p>\n<p>Frontex\u2019s new tasks will be facilitated by a separate regulation to \u201cdigitalise\u201d returns, which is set to simplify and speed up administrative procedures by sharing information among EU member states. It also sparks controversy, as organizations such as Statewatch warned of the risks of excessive data collection.<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-widget-related\" data-stories-id data-event=\"widget_related\">\n<div class=\"c-widget-related__title\"><b class=\"c-widget-related__title__text\" lang=\"en\">Related<\/b><\/div>\n<ul class=\"c-widget-related__list\" id=\"abe-article-related-1\">\n<li class=\"c-widget-related__item\">Five EU countries aim to send migrants to return hubs by 2027<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<h2><strong>New powers to monitor social media<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Frontex would also be tasked with monitoring social media to detect advertisements for people-smuggling and anticipate mass arrivals at EU borders.<\/p>\n<p>An EU official acknowledged that the proposal was partly a response to July&#8217;s crisis in Ceuta, when an estimated 80,000 people crossed from Morocco into the Spanish enclave in North Africa.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThere was lots of messaging [on social media] before what happened, lots of misinformation. If we have a sort of real-time ability to see these things happening upstream, then it\u2019s possible then to envisage reactions\u201d, the official said.<\/p>\n<p>A new internal structure called the \u201cOnline Monitoring and Response Centre\u201d will be set up, and Frontex will also be allowed to identify illegal content, flag it to social media platforms and trigger requests to competent authorities to have it removed.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe digital dimension is not a technical annexe to the Frontex reform, it is one of its main enablers\u201d, said Henna Virkkunen, Commission Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty and Security.<\/p>\n<p>However, national authorities remain responsible for deciding the legality of content. <\/p>\n<p>Frontex will apply for \u201ctrusted flagger\u201d status, which must be approved by national authorities. If it is granted, Frontex\u2019s flags would be assessed as a priority and, where warranted, removed.<\/p>\n<p>Critics warn that the new powers could amount to intrusive online surveillance, threatening privacy and freedom of expression.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSocial media surveillance poses serious risks to people\u2019s data,\u201d French Green MEP M\u00e9lissa Camara told Euronews.<\/p>\n<p>Even far-right MEPs, who traditionally favour stricter border controls and expanded powers for Frontex, have raised concerns.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We will not accept the fight against traffickers on social media becoming a pretext for monitoring citizens&#8217; opinions. We will make no concessions and we will not sign blank checks,&#8221; said Susanna Ceccardi of Italy&#8217;s League, signalling a potentially heated debate when the legislation reaches Parliament.<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-widget-related\" data-stories-id data-event=\"widget_related\">\n<div class=\"c-widget-related__title\"><b class=\"c-widget-related__title__text\" lang=\"en\">Related<\/b><\/div>\n<ul class=\"c-widget-related__list\" id=\"abe-article-related-2\">\n<li class=\"c-widget-related__item\">Denmark urges EU to scrutinise Spain\u2019s plan to legalise 600,000 migrants<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<h2><strong>A rapid reaction force<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>The reform would also establish a Quick Reaction Force, another measure inspired by the Ceuta crisis.<\/p>\n<p>The specialised unit could be deployed at short notice to an EU country&#8217;s external border in the event of an emergency, allowing Frontex to respond more rapidly to sudden surges in arrivals.<\/p>\n<p>The decision to deploy it can be taken by Frontex\u2019s Executive Director, but only following a request from the member state concerned.<\/p>\n<p>The reform leaves unchanged the subordination of Frontex officials to national authorities.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Tripling of staff<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>The expanded mandate would come with a substantial increase in staff, funding and equipment.<\/p>\n<p>The Commission wants to triple Frontex&#8217;s workforce to 30,000 officers by 2041, up from the current 10,000.<\/p>\n<p>The agency\u2019s own standing corps, in charge of patrolling the borders, will double from 3,000 to 6,000 officers, plus 7,000 officers seconded from EU states\u2019 national police forces.<\/p>\n<p>The total is completed by a new \u201cEuropean border and return reserve\u201d of 17,000 officers who will remain in their home countries and be deployed only if needed.<\/p>\n<p>\u201c[Officers] in the reserve would be trained up to Frontex\u2019s standards and made available for quick deployment. But they are still part of the national resources and will not be paid out of the Frontex budget,\u201d an EU official said.<\/p>\n<p>Frontex is allocated almost \u20ac6 billion in the current EU budget, and the Commission has proposed doubling its funding in the 2028-2034 cycle.<\/p>\n<p>With the new mandate, the agency will be able to acquire, lease and co-own equipment such as drones for surveillance and AI-enabled tools, acting as a central purchasing body in joint procurement with member states. At present, it must rely on equipment provided by national forces.<\/p>\n<p>The increase in personnel and resources will not be matched by a proportional increase in the number of Fundamental Rights Officers (FROs), the Frontex team that monitors respect for migrants\u2019 rights in returns and border control operations.<\/p>\n<p>The size of the FRO team is decided \u201con an annual basis, based on resources,\u201d an EU official told Euronews, in a further cause for concern for NGOs.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;This proposal massively expands Frontex&#8217;s powers to track, control and deport, without introducing stronger human rights safeguards,&#8221; said Chiara Catelli, advocacy officer at PICUM, a Brussels-based NGO defending migrants&#8217; rights.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAll this for an agency with a track record of allegations of complicity in fundamental rights violations,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>                                  Go to accessibility shortcuts<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-share-comment-share\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Share<\/span><\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Comments<\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label c-article-share-comment__label--always\">Add Euronews on Google<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-you-might-also-like\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-article-you-might-also-like\">\n<h2 class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__title\">\n        Read more<br \/>\n      <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  Exclusive: EU to give Frontex new powers to deport migrants from outside Europe<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  EU summit: Leaders clash over migration, as Denmark, Italy and Poland push for stronger language<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  Greece pitches suspension of the EU\u2019s right to asylum during migration crises<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto\">\n<ul id=\"adb-article-tags\" class=\"c-tags-list\">\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  European Commission<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Frontex<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Immigration<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tp-vuukle\">\n<div class=\"c-vuukle-skeleton\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"c-vuukle-skeleton__header\"><span class=\"c-vuukle-skeleton__title\">Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"o-article-newsy__aside\">\n<div class=\"c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-1\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-top-stories\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-top-stories\">\n<h2 class=\"c-top-stories__title\">Top stories<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2937804-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2937804\" data-cid=\"9972610\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2937804-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/97\/26\/10\/320x180_cmsv2_c0b0af00-63bf-5bf3-ab74-01fe822a8bd2-9972610.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Patrick Stewart\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Actor Patrick Stewart, star of &#8216;Star Trek&#8217; and &#8216;X-Men&#8217;, dies aged 86<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2937734-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2937734\" data-cid=\"9972219\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2937734-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/97\/22\/19\/320x180_cmsv2_63204c28-80b2-5549-ac5f-6d8e04453b5b-9972219.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"President of European Central Bank Christine Lagarde addresses the media during a news conference after an ECB&apos;s governing council meeting in Frankfurt, Germany, Thursday, Oct\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    \u2018I cannot remain neutral\u2019: Lagarde explains her early ECB exit<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2937654-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2937654\" data-cid=\"9972069\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2937654-label-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/97\/17\/46\/320x180_cmsv2_b2374c78-3e71-5ac4-9eea-4e1bcdc59aed-9971746.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"ARX ROBOTICS GEREON UGV with ROBONEERS SABER\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Germany and Ukraine test armed ground robot for frontline deployment<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2937717-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2937717\" data-cid=\"9972081\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2937717-label-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/97\/20\/81\/320x180_cmsv2_b8ef9064-a7d7-5f5e-8216-0a44f1607953-9972081.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"In this Nov. 1, 2017 file photo high power cables hang from a pole on a field in Hattersheim, Germany.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    EU energy ministers push back against new gas tax plans<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2937689-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2937689\" data-cid=\"9972477\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2937689-label-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/97\/19\/18\/320x180_cmsv2_16d97e11-4b02-5a04-8103-53784ecef8cf-9971918.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain arrive to visit people injured in a rail collision in Toledo, Spain, on Thursday, 29 October 2026.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Death toll from Spain train crash revised to 69 as royals visit<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-2\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-most-viewed\">\n<h2 class=\"c-most-viewed__title qa-section-title\">Most read<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__list\">\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">1<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2937372-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2937372\" data-cid=\"9970293\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    One of Europe\u2019s most polluted cities earns a UN Environment title<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">2<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2937428-pos2-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2937428\" data-cid=\"9970604\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Nord Stream won&#8217;t reopen after the war, Brussels tells US and Russia<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">3<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2937420-pos3-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2937420\" data-cid=\"9970571\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    EU removes mention of \u2018associate membership\u2019 from Canada declaration<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">4<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2937610-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2937610\" data-cid=\"9971612\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    In Pompeii, a woman&#8217;s wardrobe resurfaces with beauty items and jewels<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">5<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2937555-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2937555\" data-cid=\"9971414\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Spain train crash: What happened in the 17 minutes before impact?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-3\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2937804-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2937804\" data-cid=\"9972610\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2937804-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/97\/26\/10\/320x180_cmsv2_c0b0af00-63bf-5bf3-ab74-01fe822a8bd2-9972610.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Patrick Stewart\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Actor Patrick Stewart, star of &#8216;Star Trek&#8217; and &#8216;X-Men&#8217;, dies aged 86<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2937734-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2937734\" data-cid=\"9972219\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2937734-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/97\/22\/19\/320x180_cmsv2_63204c28-80b2-5549-ac5f-6d8e04453b5b-9972219.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"President of European Central Bank Christine Lagarde addresses the media during a news conference after an ECB&apos;s governing council meeting in Frankfurt, Germany, Thursday, Oct\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    \u2018I cannot remain neutral\u2019: Lagarde explains her early ECB exit<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2937654-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2937654\" data-cid=\"9972069\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2937654-label-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/97\/17\/46\/320x180_cmsv2_b2374c78-3e71-5ac4-9eea-4e1bcdc59aed-9971746.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"ARX ROBOTICS GEREON UGV with ROBONEERS SABER\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Germany and Ukraine test armed ground robot for frontline deployment<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2937717-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2937717\" data-cid=\"9972081\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2937717-label-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/97\/20\/81\/320x180_cmsv2_b8ef9064-a7d7-5f5e-8216-0a44f1607953-9972081.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"In this Nov. 1, 2017 file photo high power cables hang from a pole on a field in Hattersheim, Germany.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    EU energy ministers push back against new gas tax plans<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2937689-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2937689\" data-cid=\"9972477\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2937689-label-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/97\/19\/18\/320x180_cmsv2_16d97e11-4b02-5a04-8103-53784ecef8cf-9971918.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain arrive to visit people injured in a rail collision in Toledo, Spain, on Thursday, 29 October 2026.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Death toll from Spain train crash revised to 69 as royals visit<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2937372-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2937372\" data-cid=\"9970293\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    One of Europe\u2019s most polluted cities earns a UN Environment title<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2937428-pos2-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2937428\" data-cid=\"9970604\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Nord Stream won&#8217;t reopen after the war, Brussels tells US and Russia<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2937420-pos3-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2937420\" data-cid=\"9970571\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    EU removes mention of \u2018associate membership\u2019 from Canada declaration<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2937610-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2937610\" data-cid=\"9971612\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    In Pompeii, a woman&#8217;s wardrobe resurfaces with beauty items and jewels<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2937555-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2937555\" data-cid=\"9971414\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Spain train crash: What happened in the 17 minutes before impact?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"articleBody\" data-key=\"articleBody\">The EU&#8217;s border and coastguard agency, Frontex, is set to gain unprecedented powers to deport irregular migrants, monitor social media and respond to mass arrivals at EU borders under a sweeping reform proposed by the European Commission.The overhaul would significantly expand Frontex&#8217;s mandate, triple its workforce and give it a much greater role in deportations beyond EU territory.Brussels says the changes are needed to tackle new migration challenges, including orchestrated border crossings such as the mass arrival of an estimated 80,000 people in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta in July.But the proposals have already sparked controversy, with critics warning that the agency&#8217;s expanded powers and budget could lead to further fundamental rights violations and intrusive surveillance.Here are the main elements of the reform, which must still be approved by EU member states and the European Parliament.New focus on deportationsOne of the most significant changes is a shift in Frontex&#8217;s focus from managing the EU&#8217;s external borders towards deporting irregular migrants.The agency will become the &#8220;central EU actor on returns&#8221;, providing &#8220;support from A to Z&#8221;, according to EU Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner.While responsibility for returning irregular migrants to their countries of origin remains with EU countries, the agency will help by identifying the individuals to be returned, operating return flights and providing reintegration assistance through a new Return Coordination Centre.Crucially, the agency will also be able to operate from one non-EU country to another, a major\u00a0change\u00a0that would allow Frontex officials to help deport migrants before they even reach Europe.This means they will also take part in deportations from return hubs to countries of origin, as a recently approved law allows such hubs to be set up outside the EU.Civil society organisations claim this system would be opaque and difficult to scrutinize.\u201cThe Commission wants to turn Frontex into a deportation agency operating far beyond Europe\u2019s borders, where abuses will be harder to expose\u201d, Iftach Cohen, co-director of NGO Front-LEX, told Euronews.Any cooperation with a third country will require a specific agreement with the country concerned, to be negotiated by the Commission and finally approved by the EU member states and Parliament.\u201cThis is shameful and makes Frontex closer and closer to Donald Trump\u2019s ICE,\u201d Italian socialist MEP Cecilia Strada told Euronews, referring to the controversial US agency in charge of apprehending and deporting irregular migrants.Frontex\u2019s new tasks will be facilitated by a separate regulation to \u201cdigitalise\u201d returns, which is set to simplify and speed up administrative procedures by sharing information among EU member states. It also sparks controversy, as organizations such as Statewatch warned of the risks of excessive data collection.New powers to monitor social mediaFrontex would also be tasked with monitoring social media to detect advertisements for people-smuggling and anticipate mass arrivals at EU borders.An EU official acknowledged that the proposal was partly a response to July&#8217;s crisis in Ceuta, when an estimated 80,000 people crossed from Morocco into the Spanish enclave in North Africa.\u201cThere was lots of messaging [on social media] before what happened, lots of misinformation. If we have a sort of real-time ability to see these things happening upstream, then it\u2019s possible then to envisage reactions\u201d, the official said.A new internal structure called the \u201cOnline Monitoring and Response Centre\u201d will be set up, and Frontex will also be allowed to identify illegal content, flag it to social media platforms and trigger requests to competent authorities to have it removed.\u201cThe digital dimension is not a technical annexe to the Frontex reform, it is one of its main enablers\u201d, said Henna Virkkunen, Commission Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty and Security.However, national authorities remain responsible for deciding the legality of content.Frontex will apply for \u201ctrusted flagger\u201d status, which must be approved by national authorities. If it is granted, Frontex\u2019s flags would be assessed as a priority and, where warranted, removed.Critics warn that the new powers could amount to intrusive online surveillance, threatening privacy and freedom of expression.\u201cSocial media surveillance poses serious risks to people\u2019s data,\u201d French Green MEP M\u00e9lissa Camara told Euronews.Even far-right MEPs, who traditionally favour stricter border controls and expanded powers for Frontex, have raised concerns.&#8221;We will not accept the fight against traffickers on social media becoming a pretext for monitoring citizens&#8217; opinions. We will make no concessions and we will not sign blank checks,&#8221; said Susanna Ceccardi of Italy&#8217;s League, signalling a potentially heated debate when the legislation reaches Parliament.A rapid reaction forceThe reform would also establish a Quick Reaction Force, another measure inspired by the Ceuta crisis.The specialised unit could be deployed at short notice to an EU country&#8217;s external border in the event of an emergency, allowing Frontex to respond more rapidly to sudden surges in arrivals.The decision to deploy it can be taken by Frontex\u2019s Executive Director, but only following a request from the member state concerned.The reform leaves unchanged the subordination of Frontex officials to national authorities.Tripling of staffThe expanded mandate would come with a substantial increase in staff, funding and equipment.The Commission wants to triple Frontex&#8217;s workforce to 30,000 officers by 2041, up from the current 10,000.The agency\u2019s own standing corps, in charge of patrolling the borders, will double from 3,000 to 6,000 officers, plus 7,000 officers seconded from EU states\u2019 national police forces.The total is completed by a new \u201cEuropean border and return reserve\u201d of 17,000 officers who will remain in their home countries and be deployed only if needed.\u201c[Officers] in the reserve would be trained up to Frontex\u2019s standards and made available for quick deployment. But they are still part of the national resources and will not be paid out of the Frontex budget,\u201d an EU official said.Frontex is allocated almost \u20ac6 billion in the current EU budget, and the Commission has proposed doubling its funding in the 2028-2034 cycle.With the new mandate, the agency will be able to acquire, lease and co-own equipment such as drones for surveillance and AI-enabled tools, acting as a central purchasing body in joint procurement with member states. At present, it must rely on equipment provided by national forces.The increase in personnel and resources will not be matched by a proportional increase in the number of Fundamental Rights Officers (FROs), the Frontex team that monitors respect for migrants\u2019 rights in returns and border control operations.The size of the FRO team is decided \u201con an annual basis, based on resources,\u201d an EU official told Euronews, in a further cause for concern for NGOs.&#8221;This proposal massively expands Frontex&#8217;s powers to track, control and deport, without introducing stronger human rights safeguards,&#8221; said Chiara Catelli, advocacy officer at PICUM, a Brussels-based NGO defending migrants&#8217; rights.\u201cAll this for an agency with a track record of allegations of complicity in fundamental rights violations,\u201d she said.<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2026\/10\/29\/europes-own-ice-inside-brussels-plans-to-triple-frontex-and-expand-deportation-powers&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/96\/91\/25\/1200x675_cmsv2_5d829fe3-9078-5bfa-8267-c2f6a8e53e43-9969125.jpg&#8221;] No Comment Spain: minute of silence for train crash victims as king visits hospital Sport The World Judo Tour returns to Abu Dhabi with Day 1 wins Culture news Actor Patrick Stewart, star of &#8216;Star Trek&#8217; and &#8216;X-Men&#8217;, dies aged 86 Europe News Germany and Ukraine test armed ground robot for frontline [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[90],"tags":[226,36],"class_list":["post-2227660","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-international","tag-crawlmanager","tag-euronews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2227660","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2227660"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2227660\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2227660"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2227660"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2227660"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}