EU Parliament launches inquiry into Frontex

The European Parliament has launched an inquiry into the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, Frontex's "compliance with fundamental rights."

Roberta Metsola (EPP, MT) will chair the new EP Frontex Scrutiny Working Group (FSWG), while Tineke Strik (Greens/EFA,NL) will draft the report outlining its recommendations.

The group’s aim is to assess all aspects of the functioning of the European border agency, including its compliance with fundamental rights.

“I am grateful for the confidence of all the political groups in tasking me to lead this investigative Working Group. We are determined that this process will lead to clear answers to the questions that are being asked and recommend improvements in the way things are done," Metsola said.

Honoured to be tasked by all political Groups with leading the @Europarl_EN Group investigation into allegations surrounding @Frontex.

We are determined that this process will lead to clarity & confidence into how the EU's external borders have been managed & what can improve. pic.twitter.com/8X31oC1vwb

— Roberta Metsola (@RobertaMetsola) February 23, 2021

"The investigation will focus on different aspects including the compliance and respect for fundamental rights; the Agency’s internal management, and in ensuring that the transparency and accountability standards that are expected are reached," she added.

Fourteen MEPs -two per political group- will take stock of Frontex activities and organisation, including its reinforced role and resources for integrated border management and the correct application of the EU acquis.

Today, the Frontex Scrutiny Group of the European Parliament started its investigation into internal management and fundamental rights compliance @Frontex.

I am glad to announce that I was appointed to draft the inquiry report on behalf of this group. Let's get to work!

— Tineke Strik (@Tineke_Strik) February 23, 2021

Strik who will draft the report summarising the group’s conclusions, stated: “It is the task of the European Parliament to hold EU agencies accountable in cases of mismanagement or fundamental rights violations. The allegations against Frontex on complicity to pushback operations are worrying and require a thorough investigation, as people at our borders should be able to rely on respect for their human rights."

"An open and democratic process is the only way to restore the trust in the ability of Frontex to manage our borders in compliance with our fundamental rights obligations."

*More on GCT: Frontex- Illegal migration to European Union at lowest level in 7 years