EU prepares major expansion of Frontex border agency

The Commission aims to secure a €12 billion budget over seven years to facilitate this expansion. While the EPP previously pushed for a 30,000-strong force, recruitment limitations make that figure unlikely. Current staffing levels remain modest, with approximately 1,250 direct employees supplemented by officers seconded from member states. Ursula von der Leyen has signaled a substantial increase in the standing corps, though she has avoided pinning the growth to a specific headcount.

The agency’s new operational profile includes a dedicated European Border and Return Reserve for crisis situations and a Return Coordination Centre designed to streamline removals from both EU and foreign territories. To stay ahead of migration surges like those seen at Ceuta, the Commission intends to grant Frontex enhanced data-sharing capabilities with Europol and new powers to monitor social media for potential mass arrivals.