Source: European Parliament
The management of the EU external borders is an important EU priority and a shared responsibility between all Member States and the EU.
The Commission supports external border management through policy, funding and operational support. This support includes the multiannual strategic policy for European integrated border management by the European Border and Coast Guard[1], strengthened Frontex operations, and deploying digitalised systems such as the future Entry Exit System[2] and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System[3][4]. These efforts are backed by EUR 6.3 billion in funding[5].
The Commission also enhances cooperation with third countries and implements mechanisms to address irregular migration, human smuggling and security risks.
Finally, the management of EU external borders is linked to the Pact on Migration and Asylum, particularly through the Screening Regulation[6] and contingency planning.
The Commission adopted a proposal[7] for new legislation in the area of returns on 11 March 2025 which needs now to be negotiated by the co-legislators.
The aim of the new regulatory framework is to increase the effectiveness of returns of third-country nationals with no right to stay in the EU.
The Commission aims to achieve this through simplification, clarity and more efficiency of return processes, including by reinforcing the obligations of returnees to cooperate, and the measures to prevent absconding and unauthorised movements.
- [1] The national authorities of Member States responsible for border management, including coast guards to the extent that they carry out border control tasks, the national authorities responsible for return and Frontex constitute the European Border and Coast Guard.
- [2] https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen/smart-borders/entry-exit-system_en
- [3] https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen-borders-and-visa/smart-borders/european-travel-information-authorisation-system_en
- [4] https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen/effective-management-external-borders_en
- [5] https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/funding/borders-and-visa-funds/integrated-border-management-fund-border-management-and-visa-instrument-2021-27_en
- [6] Regulation (EU) 2024/1356 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 May 2024 introducing the screening of third-country nationals at the external borders and amending Regulations (EC) No 767/2008, (EU) 2017/2226, (EU) 2018/1240 and (EU) 2019/817, PE/20/2024/REV/1, OJ L, 2024/1356, 22.5.2024.
- [7] Proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a common system for the return of third-country nationals staying illegally in the Union, and repealing Directive 2008/115/EC of the European Parliament and the Council, Council Directive 2001/40/EC and Council Decision 2004/191/EC — COM/2025/101 final.