MEP addresses members of EU national parliaments on Frontex

The meeting was held at the European Parliament in Brussels and brought together MEPs with MPs from different EU countries.

In his address, Busuttil explained the mechanisms that will now be in place to increase the democratic scrutiny and accountability of the Frontex agency, following the recently-revised law establishing the agency. 

Busuttil, European Parliament rapporteur on the Frontex agency, stated that the new law makes it possible for the European Parliament to monitor important aspects of the agency, notably the number of border guards and technical assets such as vessels, planes, and helicopters that Member States make available to the agency as well as the agreements that the agency concludes with third countries.

He reminded that the European Parliament also has the power to invite the Executive Director of the agency to be questioned on the performance of the Agency and also to keep Frontex accountable through controlling its budget.

Busuttil also noted that the agency could be scrutinized and held accountable with regards to the respect of human rights in the course of its activities. He pointed out that the new law establishes a Consultative Forum on Human Rights and creates the post of a Fundamental Rights officer, both of which will ensure that the Agency observes fundamental rights during its work. Moreover the new law also enables return operations to be monitored.

“Democratic scrutiny and the accountability of the Frontex agency are important because this is how we can keep up pressure to ensure that the agency delivers," Busuttil said.

The interparliamentary meeting also discussed the democratic accountability of the internal security strategy and the role of EUROPOL and EUROJUST agencies.

The panel also included the executive director of the Frontex agency, Ilkka Laitinen.