Adopted on May 2 by Belgian deputies, the “Frontex Law” authorizes the staff of this European border guard agency to intervene on Belgian territory, as well as to carry out forced expulsions of people in an illegal situation. The law is controversial, because Frontex agents are usually deployed to defend the external borders of the European Union and the text worries many associations, who denounce the vagueness surrounding its implementation.
2 mins
With our correspondent in Brussels, Jean-Jacques Héry
Until now, Frontex agents were more used to intervening at Europe’s external borders, in countries on the front line facing the arrival of refugees, like Greece, Italy, Croatia, or even Bulgaria. But with this new law, the staff, mainly responsible for controlling migration to the EU, will be able to carry out border controls on Belgian territory, as well as carry out forced expulsions of people in an illegal situationand this, in support of the Kingdom’s police.
With this new law, Frontex’s dark blue uniform should soon be visible in Belgium’s ports, airports and international railway stations. Around a hundred agents from the European Border and Coast Guard Agency could be deployed at the same time in the territory.
But what latitude will they have to act? This is what questions many associations. According to Cécile Vanderstappen of CNCD-11.11.11, a Belgian platform of international solidarity associations, the rights of those arrested are not guaranteed by the text.
“ In certain emergency situations, Frontex agents will be able to arrest people checked in an irregular situation, waiting for a Belgian police officer to come to the scene and take over, explains the research and advocacy officer on migration justice. What worries us is precisely this time when Frontex agents are in total autonomy, there is legal uncertainty. »
On the government side, Interior Minister Annelies Verlinden responds that the rights of migrants will be well respected. This is thanks to the permanent surveillance of the Belgian police, she explained to our colleagues at RTBF: “ Each intervention by Frontex escorts will be carried out under the supervision of someone from the federal police. Because we want everything to be done clearly. »
“ In this case, is it really a reinforcement for the police if Frontex personnel must be monitored by them? », ask the associations. They remind the sulphurous reputation of European border and coast guards. They are regularly accused of mistreatment of refugees and of complicity in refoulement operations, especially in the Aegean Seacontempt of international law.
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