The Executive Directors of Europol and Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, have signed a new joint Action Plan that will guide their cooperation in the coming years to strengthen their common efforts in enhancing the security of EU citizens.
The action plan was signed by Europol Executive Director Catherine de Bolle and Frontex Executive Director Fabrice Leggeri at the margins of the Justice and Home Affairs Council in Luxembourg. The ceremony took place in the presence of Romanian Minister of Interior Affairs and Chair of the JHA Council Carmen Daniela Dan and Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs Paraskevi Michou.
Europol’s databases and criminal investigations will be strengthened by information gathered by Frontex during operational activities at the external borders. Information from Europol will facilitate more efficient management of the EU’s external borders and intelligence-based, targeted action against criminal groups and terrorists.
This structural exchange of information between the two agencies will improve the work of border guards and support investigations.
Efforts of both agencies in the fields of research and development of new technologies will also be closely coordinated, for instance for the introduction of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). Frontex will set up and manage the ETIAS Central Unit, which will provide operational support, as well as reinforcing and coordinating border control activities in Member States.