Filenews 8 November 2021
The European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) can assist member states in tackling illegal immigration at the request of the states themselves, says, among others, the High Representative/Vice-President of the European Commission Z. Borrell in response to MEP Costas Mavridis (DIKO - S&D).
The Cypriot MEP had denounced to the European Commission the unprecedented Turkish provocation involving a Turkish coastguard off Tylliria on July 16th, pointing out that this is directed not only against the Republic of Cyprus but also against the entire EU, calling for the immediate guarding of the area by the European Coast Guard.
As Mr. Mavridis stressed in his speech, "this is a necessity, taking into account that the above incident constitutes a serious provocation towards the EU and given the existence of an organized network for the illegal promotion of persons from third countries to an EU state, with the involvement of the Turkish security forces and the particular situation due to the continued illegal Turkish occupation of territory and sea areas of the Republic of Cyprus". In his reply, the High Representative states the following: "Turkey should show unwavering commitment to good neighbourly relations, international agreements and the peaceful resolution of disputes.
Turkey must also avoid threats and actions that harm good neighbourly relations and, on the contrary, respect the sovereignty of all EU Member States over their territorial waters and airspace, as well as all their sovereign rights, including the right to explore and exploit natural resources, in accordance with EU and international law; including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea'.
On migration, Mr. Borrell stressed that "the EU expects Turkey to honour its commitments under the EU-Turkey Statement (2016), including preventing the opening of new sea or land routes, and to cooperate in this regard with neighbouring states and the EU". Specifically on the responsibilities of the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) that also concern Cyprus, it indicates the following: "A Member State may request Frontex to conduct a joint operation to address challenges, including illegal immigration, threats at its external borders or cross-border crime, or to provide it with increased technical and operational assistance with regard to the control of the external borders. Frontex can also carry out a rapid border intervention for a limited period of time, at the request of a Member State facing specific and disproportionate challenges, such as the arrival of a large number of third-country nationals. These requests should be assessed, approved and coordinated by the Executive Director of Frontex."
