The German public television exclusive report by Manuel Bewarder, Giorgos Christidis, Stefanie Dodt, and Jonas Schreijag cites an investigation by NDR’s “Reschke Fernsehen” about problems that have arisen around Frontex’s new elite group, called Standing Corps, but also due to new allegations of pushbacks in the Aegean. As the publication points out, this raises doubts about whether the new head of Frontex, Hans Leijtens, can actually achieve the new start for the Agency that he had promised about a year ago.
EU member states divided over effectiveness
From the minutes of the meeting of the Strategic Committee for Migration, Borders, and Asylum (SCIFA) last February, it appears that while some EU member states highlight the role of the new Standing Corps elite group, others—particularly states on the EU’s external borders—are critical. For example, Spain complained during the meeting that the group is often unable to take effective action, while Greece noted that the selection, training, and capacity-building process “needs improvement.”
For its part, the European Commission, called upon to comment on the criticisms, underlined that Frontex must make improvements, while Frontex itself described the creation of the EU’s first uniformed unit as a “huge project” with no prior standard for comparison.
New allegations of pushbacks in the Aegean
Adding to these concerns are new accusations of Frontex’s involvement in pushbacks. According to the investigation, two incidents were identified in which migrants in the Aegean were pushed back into Turkish waters.
The first occurred on January 25, 2024, and the report cites audio-visual material showing men with covered faces boarding a vessel, apparently belonging to the Coast Guard, and approaching an inflatable boat carrying 30 migrants in a menacing manner. A Lithuanian Coast Guard vessel, operating in the Aegean as part of Frontex, was also present. A few hours later, Turkish authorities spotted the boat with the migrants in their territorial waters.
The second incident reportedly took place on February 19, 2024, when migrants aboard a boat called for help from nearby ships, including a Bulgarian Coast Guard vessel participating in Frontex missions. However, instead of being brought to Greece, they were allegedly pushed back by the Greek authorities into Turkish waters, according to an eyewitness.
Greek Coast Guard denies involvement
The Forensis research group verified the evidence and concluded that both incidents occurred in Greek territorial waters. However, the Greek Coast Guard emphasized that rescuing people at sea is its obligation and that all its operations are conducted in full compliance with applicable laws. “For this reason, the Greek Coast Guard rejects all accusations related to the aforementioned pushback incidents,” the publication states, citing an official statement from the Coast Guard.
Frontex investigates possible wrongdoing
Frontex confirmed that an internal investigation is underway regarding both incidents to determine whether the Agency was involved. Meanwhile, Frontex head Hans Leijtens reiterated that the Agency’s officers are obligated to rescue people in distress at sea.
Speaking on NDR’s “Reschke Fernsehen,” Leijtens emphasized that “we are a modern Agency and prioritize European values.” He added that Frontex staff cannot simply stand by and watch as illegal pushbacks occur before their eyes—they must take action.