News

In July, many people in Europe take some rest – but we do not! Summer is in full swing and so are our operations. From drone surveillance to joint action days against human smuggling: we use every opportunity to improve. Technological innovations prepare us for future challenges. New contingents make our operations more coordinated. Cooperation with Member States and local authorities brings us up to speed with the current situation on external borders. Even leisure activities, like sports, teach us how to work better as a team. We never forget about our mission: to ensure safe and well-functioning EU’s external borders in full compliance with European law, values and fundamental rights.

Frontex opened a new Contingent in Prague: a regional structure of the Standing Corps – EU’s uniformed service – meant to bring leadership and coordination closer to where activities take place. The Prague command supports operations across ten countries: Czechia, Germany, France, Belgium, Iceland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Denmark, Switzerland and Ireland. With Europe’s geographic and political centre of gravity in mind, the location strengthens day-to-day collaboration with national services while staying tightly linked to HQ support in Warsaw.

A major milestone in Estonia: the new regional command office in Tallinn now boosts Frontex operations in eight countries across Northern and Eastern Europe and promotes cooperation with Poland and Slovakia. The hub accelerates decision-making, enhances responsiveness and builds even stronger ties with national authorities: another step toward more focused, agile leadership across the EU.

A coalition of 12 countries and EU partners, backed by Frontex real-time vessel tracking, aerial surveillance and deployed experts, prevented more than three tons of cocaine getting onto Europe’s streets. Highlights included 647 kg hidden in a tanker from Brazil seized in Zeebrugge, Belgium. In total, we tracked 951 vessels, out of which 119 were inspected what in turn lead to 13 arrests. It is a clear proof of coordinated pressure on maritime trafficking routes.

Despite massive firefighting efforts, wildfires scorched over 4,500 hectares on Chios. More than 400 firefighters, 14 helicopters and 4 airplanes were deployed, with a dozen villages evacuated, and no lives lost. Frontex patrols, including Norwegian police officers, secured access roads to protect residents and first victims. Authorities made one arrest related to suspected arson. The response showed Frontex staff’s constant readiness to support civil protection when communities are under strain.

What began with a rainbow in the sky became a rainbow of emotions as families explored patrol vehicles and equipment showcased by Frontex officers from Contingent 1 that covers Romania, Bulgaria and Moldova. Curiosity and hands-on learning turned into an engaging celebration with our Romanian partners that highlighted both operational professionalism and strong community ties.

At an Albanian border point, border guards confiscated slightly over €10,000 in cash carried by a traveller who didn’t declare the money. Such a situation is not unusual across the EU. In the latest EU‑wide statistics, customs recorded 8,712 “cases with infractions” of cash: a category that includes non-declarations, incomplete/incorrect declarations and other breaches of the law, plus 23 infractions where unaccompanied cash was sent by post or cargo. By law, anyone entering or leaving the EU with €10,000 or more in cash, including certain gold and bearer negotiable instruments, must declare it. Authorities can seize undeclared money and impose penalties, even if the amount is below €10,000 and there are signs of criminal links. These rules exist to disrupt money laundering and terrorist financing, keep funds from bypassing the formal financial system, and protect integrity of the internal market in line with global standards such as the FATF recommendations.  
Travel tip: if you’re crossing an EU external border with €10,000 or more, file the declaration in writing and be ready to explain the money’s origin and intended use. Transparent travel protects you and everyone else.

Discipline and camaraderie rewarded: the Frontex team brought home 9 gold, 14 silver and 3 bronze medals. Apart from the numbers, the team’s performance reflects the resilience and teamwork officers bring to daily operations across the EU. We are very proud of our team! 
A few words of explanation: The Police & Fire competition is a multi-sport event where police officers and firefighters, often joined by other uniformed services, compete in athletic and job-related disciplines. Events typically range from running, swimming, cycling, and team sports to skills contests like shooting, stair climbing, obstacle courses, and lifesaving drills. The aim is to promote fitness and readiness for action, celebrate teamwork and sportsmanship, and build camaraderie across services.