News

Over three days (30 September–2 October 2025), national authorities, including border management services, in France and Belgium worked alongside Frontex experts to test how contingency plans would function under a fast-evolving, high-pressure scenario. The activity focused on coordination, rapid mobilisation of resources, and clear communication pathways – core elements of an effective crisis response. 

This joint effort reflects years of patient preparation and close cooperation. It also demonstrates how Member States value working with the Agency to continually strengthen readiness and resilience. 

Initial observations point to high levels of professionalism and coordination throughout the exercise. The lessons captured will be fed into follow-up work with France and Belgium to help further refine processes and cooperation mechanisms. 

• Simulation exercises are part of Frontex’s vulnerability assessment activities – a European quality-control mechanism assessing the capacity and readiness of Member States to face present and upcoming challenges at the external borders. The lead services within the Agency are the European Integrated Border Management Intelligence (INTEL) Unit, and the Capacity and Readiness Unit (CRU). 

• Table-top simulation exercises typically run for three working days and focus on how contingency plans perform under realistic, escalating scenarios. 

• Exercises may also test procedures for requesting European support, strengthening awareness of roles and communication channels.