Human Rights Watch accuses Frontex drones of posing 'a threat to migrants and refugees'
A joint report from Human Rights Watch and Border Forensics says Frontex and the EU's use of drones is posing a "threat to migrants and refugees."
surveillance
Cyprus: Electronic surveillance planned to hinder migration
The Republic of Cyprus has announced plans to install an electronic surveillance system. The goal: to reduce the numbers of migrants crossing the border from the Turkish-controlled north into the southern Republic of Cyprus, which is part of the EU.
Germany to end training of Libyan coast guard over 'unacceptable' behavior towards migrants
On Wednesday, the German foreign ministry announced it would be extending its participation in the EU monitoring mission Irini in the Mediterranean, but it would no longer commit to training the Libyan coast guard, due to concerns about their treatment of migrants. The trainings are part of the Irini mandate.
France: New surveillance cameras to stop migrant smuggling
Dozens of new surveillance cameras are to be installed along the coast of northern France. The aim is to prevent migrant smuggling across the English Channel.
Lithuania to install cameras along entire Belarus border
Lithuania plans to install surveillance cameras along the entire length of its border with Belarus, the prime minister said on Friday. The announcement came only a few days after Poland began building a permanent wall to prevent migrants and refugees from entering the EU.
Greece to fortify border to stop migrants, seeks EU funds
The Greek government has said it will renew a request for EU funds in 2022 to extend the border wall along its frontier with Turkey. It also wants to expand its surveillance network to stop migrants from entering the country irregularly.
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.
Frontex says it used more airplanes for border control in 2020
EU border and coast guard agency Frontex says it is increasingly using chartered airplanes for aerial surveillance. That's according to a letter by Frontex to the European Commission. An EU lawmaker criticized the lack of rescue capacities.
Sea-Watch eyes Mediterranean for abandoned asylum-seekers
The Mediterranean route remains one of the deadliest migration routes in the world. German NGO Sea-Watch has operated reconnaissance flights as part of its mission to prevent deaths on the high seas.
Today's news
The Bulgarian government plans to use drones on the border with Turkey to put surveillance on migrants. Austria sends 70 soldiers to conduct checks at its border with Italy and InfoMigrants takes a look at the medical care refugees in Germany receive. All this and more in today's roundup.
Drones to secure Bulgarian-Turkish border
Bulgaria is stepping up its fight against illegal migration with plans to massively expand securement along its border with Turkey. Defense minister Karakachanov announced an increase in military and surveillance systems.