On 17–18 February, Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, hosted a workshop in Warsaw focused on implementing the Screening Regulation, part of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum. The event brought together practitioners from Member States and Schengen-associated Countries, the European Commission and EU agencies, including the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA), Europol and the European Union Agency for the Operational Management of Large-Scale IT Systems in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice (eu-LISA).
With the 12 June 2026 application date approaching, the workshop focused on translating the legal framework into practical delivery: clarifying roles and responsibilities, organising efficient workflows, and supporting readiness through tools and training, with fundamental rights safeguards built into the process from the outset.
“With June just around the corner, our priority is to help turn the rules into a process that is workable on the ground: consistent, timely and with safeguards built in from day one,” said Lotje van der Made, Director of the Operational Planning Division at Frontex.
What is screening?
From 12 June 2026, the EU Screening Regulation introduces a short, structured set of checks for certain third-country nationals who do not fulfil the conditions for entry under EU law. This includes, for example, people apprehended after an unauthorised border crossing, brought ashore following search and rescue at sea, or found in the territory after initially evading border controls.
Carried out by Member States, screening is an information-collection phase, not an asylum or return procedure: it helps national authorities quickly establish identity, identify health or vulnerability needs, and check for security risks, before referring the person without delay to the appropriate procedure under EU and national law (for example, asylum or return, as applicable).
Topics of discussion
Participants exchanged views on implementation challenges and practical solutions across different operational contexts. Discussions emphasised:
- Pragmatic workflow design so screening remains focused and can be completed within the required time limits;
- Clear handovers and coordination among national authorities and supporting actors, to avoid duplication and reduce delays;
- Practical implementation support, including the Screening Toolbox (templates and supporting materials designed to help structure screening), developed in cooperation with EUAA and Member State experts;
- Training preparation to support national authorities and deployed officers ahead of June 2026;
- Fundamental rights safeguards and monitoring, including the importance of clear information provision and effective oversight arrangements.
The workshop also reviewed lessons emerging from operational testing activities conducted in different border settings, feeding into refinements of tools, guidance, and operational planning.
Looking ahead
National authorities will continue preparations in the months ahead to ensure screening can be implemented effectively.
At a Member State’s request, Frontex supports practical readiness for screening, including at the preparatory stage, through operational planning, training and support tools such as the Screening Toolbox, adapted to national contexts, with fundamental rights safeguards embedded from the start.
At a Member State’s request, Frontex supports practical readiness for screening, including at the preparatory stage, through operational planning, training and support tools such as the Screening Toolbox, adapted to national contexts, with fundamental rights safeguards embedded from the start.
In parallel, EUAA supports Member States with guidance, training and operational assistance relevant to screening, including support for information provision and the identification of people in vulnerable situations who may require additional reception support.