New Frontex agreement with Albania
12.4.2021
Question for written answer E-001943/2021
to the Commission
Rule 138
Cornelia Ernst (The Left)
In March 2021, Frontex Executive Director Fabrice Leggeri and the Government of Albania signed an agreement aimed at strengthening cooperation in border management. This comes two years after the entry into force of the Status Agreement between the European Union and Albania, under which the European Border and Coast Guard Agency has deployed an operation along the border with Greece: the first of its kind in a non-EU country. 71 members of staff from 20 Member States are currently taking part in the operation. Frontex is also supporting the authorities with training, exchanges of operational information, and deportations to Greece. In addition, it is stationing its second liaison officer for the Western Balkan countries in Tirana. The officer will cover Albania, Kosovo and North Macedonia.
- 1.What new agreements on strengthening cooperation in border management were reached with Albania, and how will they supplement the Status Agreement?
- 2.What new operations or support is Frontex planning in Albania, and when will this begin?
- 3.How many individuals engaged in irregular border crossings have had their identities verified in the context of the Frontex operation in Albania since 2019, and how many of these have been returned to Greece?