EU reinforces border protection
As a consequence of the current refugee crisis, the EU strengthens its border and coast protection forces. As of now, the EU agency Frontex has more resources and competencies. Frontex is now empowered to act at the borders of the Schengen area without prior approval of the respective member state. A reaction force of up to 1500 officers can now be called from member states and deployed within days in crisis situations. The respective EU directive came into effect on Thursday.
Germany´s Interior Minister Lothar de Maiziere claimed that these meaures would maintain the achievements of the Schengen area and the control of the external borders in the long term.
EU Migration Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos said the door (to Europe) would remain open to those who are in favor of international protection, yet closed for those who want to cross the borders illegally.