German Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann, a member of the Christian Social Union, has called for a significant expansion of the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, Frontex, to better protect the external borders of the European Union. Following a visit to Frontex’s headquarters in Warsaw, Herrmann emphasized the need for a minimum of 20,000 personnel to ensure effective border control.
The minister stressed that irregular migration to Europe remains a significant challenge and a strong and effective external border control is essential. He highlighted the crucial role of Frontex in this context. In addition to the expansion of the border control agency, Herrmann also urged the swift and consistent implementation of the reform of the Common European Asylum System (CEAS). He noted that the planned procedures at the EU’s external borders are a significant step forward, as the asylum claims of individuals from countries with a low recognition rate will be swiftly examined at the EU’s external border, with a rapid return in the event of rejection.
Despite a decline in the number of asylum seekers, Herrmann still sees a need for action. The local authorities are still heavily burdened by the high influx of the past years, he said. Therefore, it is necessary to further reduce the number of asylum seekers. Consequential border controls and rejections are crucial in this regard, according to Herrmann.