The European Parliament yesterday overwhelmingly approved substantial changes to the rules governing Frontex, giving more powers to the EU’s border agency.

The amendments, piloted by Maltese MEP Simon Busuttil, will allow Frontex to conduct missions on its own steam, without depending on member states.

They were approved by 431 votes in favour, 49 against and 48 abstentions. Frontex has been one of the most visible EU agencies in Malta since EU accession as it was engaged repeatedly to conduct anti-illegal immigration missions in local waters.

However, the missions’ effectiveness was often called into question, with some saying they were actually counter-productive as the agency has no real powers to turn back illegal immigrants intercepted on the high seas. The end result, according to critics, was that more immigrants were brought to Maltese shores after being intercepted on the way to Italy.

The Warsaw-based agency’s task was also hampered by lack of commitment and solidarity of other member states, particularly the northern states, which repeatedly failed to deliver resources and assets. The agency was dependent on member states to commit their assets such as vessels, planes and helicopters.

The amendments now give more power to Frontex to buy or hire its own equipment to conduct its missions. It will be given the resources to act on its own steam.

Addressing a press conference after the EP’s vote, Dr Busuttil said another key achievement was a new provision which would safeguard human rights in all Frontex actions.

The agency is now obliged to hire a “fundamental rights officer” and set up a “consultative forum on fundamental rights” to assist the agency’s management board. The consultative forum will include the EU Fundamental Rights and Asylum Support agencies, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees and NGOs specialising in this field.

“This is the most important overhaul of the law that established Frontex in 2004 and Parliament greatly welcomes it. Our assessment of the first six years of experience of the agency is that it needs to be strengthened and be made more effective”, said Dr Busuttil.

Yesterday’s approval was also welcomed by Home Affairs Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom.

“The amended Regulation contains important changes that will strengthen safeguards so as to guarantee the full respect of fundamental rights and improve the ability of Frontex to support member states more efficiently and more independently. The Commission therefore welcomes the European Parliament’s support for a stronger and more efficient Frontex,” the Commissioner said.

The new rules are expected to enter onto force by the end of this year, following the final seal of the EU Council.

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