Balkan route: 144 suspected migrant smugglers arrested
Over 140 suspected people smugglers were arrested in an operation conducted by Frontex in central and southeastern Europe in early September.
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Migrants entering EU via the 'Balkan route' up 90% on 2020
According to the EU border agency Frontex, the number of irregular border crossings to the European Union via the so-called ‘Balkan route’ is up 90% on last year. The majority of those arriving are from Syria and Afghanistan.
Airship deployed to patrol border between Greece and Turkey
Frontex is resorting to cutting-edge technology to stop people smugglers from getting migrants into Greece. There are fears, however, that this will drive migrants into resorting to using the more dangerous Aegean Sea route.
Patrolling Lithuania's border with Belarus
A growing number of African and Middle Eastern migrants have been illegally entering Lithuania from Belarus. The country says it is finding it hard to cope. Alexandra von Nahmen reports from the Lithuanian border.
More than 3,000 migrants intercepted in Lithuania in recent months
At least 171 people have been detained while trying to cross from Belarus into Lithuania on Tuesday night. This is the largest number or irregular crossings intercepted on that border in a single day in 2021. The government believes that Belarusian authorities are colluding with people smugglers.
France asks Frontex to secure northern border amid peak in Channel crossings
France's interior minister has asked the EU border agency to support French authorities in stemming the increasing flow of irregular migrants trying to reach the UK. Meanwhile, 80 migrants were rescued in the British Channel over the weekend and returned to France.
EU Parliament says Frontex ignored proof of migrant abuses
A report by the European Parliament concludes that the EU border agency Frontex overlooked evidence of fundamental rights violations and "failed to address and follow-up on these violations promptly, vigilantly and effectively."
EU border agency Frontex vows additional support for Lithuania amid migrant crisis
Lithuania has seen a sharp rise of migrants entering its territory, with most of them originally coming from Africa and the Middle East. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko is suspected of causing the surge.
Frontex bolsters Lithuania-Belarus border as irregular crossings spike
Lithuanian and EU officials have sharply criticized Belarussian President Lukashenko for his alleged intent to loosen border controls in response to sanctions imposed by Europe. The outcry comes after over 600 migrants crossed from Belarus into EU member state Lithuania in only five days.
EU auditors say Frontex border agency failing to fulfill its duties
A report by the European Court of Auditors has slammed Frontex for failing to provide "sufficiently effective" assistance to countries looking to tackle illegal migration.
In post-pandemic Europe, irregular migrants will face digital deterrents
In a bid to prevent irregular migrants from crossing its borders, Europe is increasingly turning to digital technologies such as drones, sound cannons and AI-powered lie detectors. Politicians and human rights activists are alarmed amid the growing use of technology to fortify the EU's external borders.
EU border agency to face court over alleged migrant rights violations
Human rights lawyers have launched legal action against the European Union's border and coast guard agency Frontex on behalf of two migrants. They accuse Frontex of violating their rights as asylum seekers and breaching European and international law.