Apostolis Fotiadis
When Michalis Chrisohoidis, Greek minister of citizens‘ protection announced that FRONTEX, the European Agency for Border Control and Protection, would double its representation in this country in spring, it was clear that Greece is being charged with special responsibilities to apprehend and repatriate illegal migrants into Europe.
Speaking at a United Nations conference on security in the Mediterranean, last week, Chrisohoidis cited geography as one reason why Greece gets responsibility for border control, but said the measures would help both this country and the EU guarantee better security, while respecting the fundamental rights of what may be victims of smuggling rings.
Over the last year FRONTEX and Greek authorities have collaborated to establish a mechanism capable of detecting illegal immigration across the Aegean Sea and also deport migrants on repatriation flights.
FRONTEX, put in place in 2005 by the European Commission, is tasked with promoting a pan-European model of integrated border security, aimed at curbing irregular migrant influx into the EU which has skyrocketed during the last five years. FRONTEX started out with a budget of 6.2 million euros (8.5 million US dollars) annually, but this has now been raised to 83.2 million euros (115.3 million dollars) as it takes on more responsibilities. (more at ipsnews.net).
