WIREDGOV

Plans to turn the EU’s Frontex border agency into a common border and coast guard, which in emergencies could be deployed even without the approval of the country concerned, were presented by the Commission and the Dutch Presidency and debated by Civil Liberties Committee MEPs on Monday. MEPs also debated legislative proposals on systematic checks at external borders and a European travel document.

The Commission presented the border and coast guard package on 15 December 2015 to ensure strong and shared management of the EU’s external borders. The package includes:

• a regulation to establish the European border and coast guard,
   
• a revison of the Schengen Borders Code to introduce mandatory systematic checks on EU citizens entering and leaving the EU, and
• a European travel document for the return of illegally staying third country nationals.

To review the full debate in VOD, click here.

Next steps

European Border and Coast Guard regulation, rapporteur Artis Pabriks (EPP, LV):

• presentation of the draft report: 11 April (TBC)
• deadline for amendments: 20 April
• vote in committee: May (TBC)

Revison of the Schengen Borders Code, rapporteur Monica Macovei (ECR, RO):

• presentation fo the draft report: 20 April (TBC)
• deadline for amendments: 29 April

European travel document, rapporteur Jussi Halla-aho (ECR, FI):

• presentation fo the draft report: 20 April (TBC)
• deadline for amendments: 29 April