The role of the European Border and Coast Guard in the security of the European Union

Abstract

The European Border and Coast Guard Agency plays an important role in the protection of the external borders and the security of the Member States of the European Union and the countries associated with the Schengen free trade area. The Schengen area without internal borders is only sustainable if the external borders are effectively secured and protected. The threat of uncontrolled movement and illegal migration, and the associated dangers, is one of the current security threats and new challenges for the Member States of the European Union. Frontex, as an Agency of the European Union, is financed from the Union budget, including contributions from individual countries, and has the ambition to employ almost 1000 people in 2021. The article provides an insight, including a short historical excursion, on the role of the European Border and Coast Guard in the security of the European Union nowadays.

Keywords

• migration
• security threat
• border protection
• frontex