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    • Frontex Opens New Contingent in Prague to Strengthen Border Coordination Across Europe

    2025-07-28

    Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, has opened a new Contingent in Prague, further strengthening its presence and cooperation across the European Union.

    Each Frontex Contingent acts as a regional structure within the European Border and Coast Guard Standing Corps, the EU’s first uniformed service. It brings together the officers, coordination and leadership covering several countries, allowing decisions to be made closer to where activities take place.

    This new contingent brings together Frontex operational activities in ten countries: Czechia, Germany, France, Belgium, Iceland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Denmark, Switzerland and Ireland. These countries sit at the centre of Europe geographically and politically, making Prague a key location for closer coordination.

    “Today we’re moving towards a Frontex that is more present, more responsive and more connected to national authorities,” said Executive Director Hans Leijtens at the opening ceremony in Prague. “We are working where it matters, in full partnership with the Member States.”

    Earlier this month, Frontex also opened another Contingent in Estonia. That office is responsible for supporting the Nordic and Baltic states, as well as Poland and Slovakia. Together with the Prague command, these new structures form part of a broader shift towards more localised leadership across the EU.

    The contingent system places decision-making closer to the field. This helps ensure faster responses, better coordination, and stronger relationships with national services.

    Today, around 3 200 officers are working at the borders across Europe. Their efforts are backed by staff at Frontex Headquarters in Warsaw, who provide critical operational, legal and technical support behind the scenes.

    “Our mission is clear. We protect Europe’s borders with professionalism, with integrity, and with full respect for fundamental rights,” said Leijtens. “And with each new command, we are getting better at doing just that.”