EU border protection authority: Frontex boss promises end of pushbacks

At his first press conference as the new Frontex boss, the Dutchman Leitjens promised an end to the pushbacks of migrants. He is aware that the EU border protection authority has lost a lot of trust.

Hans Leijtens has exchanged his uniform for a dark blue suit and tie. The former commander of the Dutch military police is the new director of the EU border protection agency Frontex.

At his first press conference in the EU Commission building, he said he was honored and grateful to soon be taking over the leadership of the agency.

Leitjens wants to restore playful trust

Hans Leijtens is scheduled to officially start his new job on March 1st. It’s not an easy task that awaits the Dutchman. Under its predecessor, the Frenchman Fabrice Leggeri, Frontex came under massive criticism. The agency is accused of being involved in so-called pushbacks at the EU’s external borders – such as in Greece – and of having covered them up. This rejection of migrants and refugees is illegal.

Leitjens knows how much trust the authority has lost. He wants to restore it, improve the way Frontex works and, he says, get results.

“Pushbacks are not legal”

It is important, says the 59-year-old, that Frontex officials act within the given legal framework. And he assures that European values ​​are at the heart of the agency.

“Pushbacks are not legal,” stresses Leitjens. “They’re banned. It’s my responsibility that my people don’t get involved in something called pushback. I think that’s perfectly clear and the legal framework I’m working in.”

Leitjens promises transparency

The protection of Europe’s external borders and fundamental rights go hand in hand, according to Leijtens. He also promises several times that Frontex will work transparently under his leadership. The new director tries to shake hands with non-governmental organizations that accuse the agency of collaborating with the Libyan coast guard, for example.

“I’m not the type of director who wants to build a fence around Frontex,” he says. “I want to open the doors. Non-governmental organizations are more than welcome to give us and me their information. And I assure you, you will get an answer to your questions.”

High expectations of border protection agency

Ylva Johansson, the EU Commissioner for Home Affairs, is also present at this press conference alongside Leijtens. She speaks of difficult times that Frontex went through. And of the high expectations that one has of the authority. This is not only intended to protect the EU’s external borders, but also to support the member states in returning rejected asylum seekers.

And Johansson describes a third task: It’s about internal security – which also includes the fight against drug trafficking. Here, too, Frontex should help the countries.