The European Union’s border agency, Frontex, is taking a firm stance against Greece amid ongoing investigations into potential human rights violations involving migrants. As it stands, they are investigating twelve active cases – more than anywhere else in the bloc. These cases are supported by compelling evidence of flagrant illegal pushbacks and the jettisoning of migrants at sea. These developments have triggered discussions about the agency’s future operations in Greece, with calls for significant changes to ensure adherence to fundamental rights.
Jonas Grimheden, Frontex’s Fundamental Rights Officer, has recommended a temporary suspension of the agency’s activities in Greece until the situation improves. Frontex has repeatedly urged Greek authorities to investigate allegations that migrants have been pushed back at sea. They’re in the same vein calling for an investigation into the alleged illegal deportations. The agency intends to release binding recommendations for Greece to adhere to, with possible penalties if they fail to comply.
Chris Borowski, a spokesman for Frontex argued that this shows the agency is responsible to search for different ways. He cautioned them that they may need to cut Greece’s funding further if conditions fail to improve. He urged the need for the deepest cooperation between Frontex and Greek authorities to improve operational effectiveness.
“We are now putting fundamental rights at the heart of these negotiations. In the past, this discussion happened towards the end of the negotiations, so they were kind of a secondary issue, but now they’re really the core of these negotiations,” – Chris Borowski
Frontex has co-financed a number of assets to assist in Greek border operations, such as coast guard vessels as Frontex’s aerial assets. The ongoing scrutiny of Frontex’s activities in Greece has raised concerns about the agency’s commitment to upholding human rights while managing border security.
Frontex’s preliminary data indicates that irregular border crossings decreased sharply in the first few months of 2024. In fact, this sharp decline brings us to the lowest levels observed since 2021. Even with the decline, Frontex remains a key actor in rescue operations. The agency is hard at work to address the new allegations of human rights violations that have come to light.
“The executive director of Frontex has said that he expects all these recommendations to be implemented. Otherwise, he would consider reducing or cutting funding for co-financed assets,” – Chris Borowski
Borowski stressed the dual imperative of border security and protection of basic rights. He continued, “These are these two sides of the same coin: protecting our borders while protecting our values and respecting the dignity of the people that we continue to encounter.” He voiced the requirement for a truly united front in order to better align coordination and strategically tackle these urgent issues.
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