European Union

Reactions to the European Commission’s proposal to upgrade Frontex

The European Commission’s plan to upgrade Frontex from a European agency with 1 500 employees into a complimentary European border and coast guard with 10 000 armed guards by 2020 has caused mixed reactions in the European Union. Under the proposal, €12.6 bn would be allocated to Frontex between 2019 and 2027, with the agency supporting national border patrols as well as coast guards and operating at the command of national authorities.

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News Highlights: Open borders between Eritrea and Ethiopia, Europe proposes large border force, new government in Sudan

In this week’s news highlights: Eritrean-Ethiopian border reopens at two points; former Eritrean minister publishes accusatory book; campaign to protest large-scale disappearances in Eritrea; dozens of migrant child slaves freed in Sudan; South Sudan goverment and rebels sign “final” peace agreement; Sudanese president to form new leaner government; hostilities continue in Libya; Juncker proposes to upgrade Frontex, tighten asylum rules; more migrants die on sea after crackdown on NGO rescue missions; UN to investigate attacks on migrants in Italy and Austria

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News Highlights: International group enters Eritrea, Violence in Libya traps migrants, Italy and Hungary to form ‘anti-migration front’

In this week’s news highlights: A group of international researchers and academics cross into Eritrea to assess the situation; German minister visits Eritrea; Ethiopian PM holds press conference promising continued reforms; Heavy rain has caused damage in Sudan; South Sudan rebel leader ready to sign comprehensive peace deal; Clashes in Libya trap migrants and refugees in detention centres; Italy and Hungary form anti-migration front; Italian deputy PM threatens to block EU budget; NGO concerned about situation on Greek Island; and Germany experiences far-right protests and violence.

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