Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, was honoured to welcome Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and Alexander De Croo, Prime Minister of Belgium, to its headquarters today. This visit underscores the European Union’s and Frontex’s commitment to safeguarding the external borders while working together with Member States to promote human dignity and safety.
Frontex Deputy Executive Directors, Aija Kalnaja and Lars Gerdes, led the discussions, highlighting Frontex’s evolution into a fully-fledged partner for EU Member States in border management. Together, we are addressing the challenges at the EU’s external borders, ranging from irregular migration to cross-border crime, ensuring the fundamental rights of all individuals.
The distinguished guests toured the Frontex Situation Centre, a hub for monitoring EU borders. Here, President von der Leyen and Prime Minister De Croo were briefed on the Agency’s dedication to overseeing the EU’s borders and its vital role in search and rescue operations at sea. They gained insights into the operational strategies and tools employed by Frontex to manage border security effectively and respond to emergencies with precision and compassion.
President von der Leyen thanked Frontex staff for their dedication to the Agency’s mission and protecting the EU’s borders. She emphasised that Frontex’s support in preventing irregular migration, fighting smugglers and ensuring dignified returns is crucial for Europe.
