Caroline Baudry / Photo credit: JANEK SKARZYNSKI / AFP
This weekend, the National Rally announced that Fabrice Leggeri, the former boss of Frontex, is joining their list for the European elections. Between 2015 and 2022, he was head of this agency which ensures the protection of the borders of the Schengen area. But how does it work?
The National Rally signs a major move for the European elections. Fabrice Leggeri, the former boss of Frontex, will be number three on Jordan Bardella’s list. According to the former senior official, the RN is the political option which will give the French the possibility of regaining control of their future. The European Border and Coast Guard Agency ensures the protection of the external borders of the Schengen area, particularly on the Mediterranean side and the Eastern countries. Europe 1 looks back at the functioning of Frontex.
The Frontex agency, which is just celebrating its 20th anniversary, is based in Warsaw. It employs 2,000 people who can be recognized by their light blue bibs. These border and coast guards provide assistance to Member States which request it in the event of migratory pressure.
An agency criticized for its lack of efficiency
They are then deployed to help register migrants upon their arrival, and coordinate the return of irregulars, by chartering planes for example. At sea, they monitor the illegal activity of smugglers and rescue migrants.
In 2027, the workforce should reach 10,000 people. But the agency is criticized for its lack of efficiency despite a budget of 845 million euros, doubled in five years. NGOs also accuse him of brutal methods of pushing back migrants and mistreatment. Frontex defends itself, and says it is not responsible for the conditions in detention centers in Member States.