Dimitris Avramopoulos, the European Union’s Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship Commissioner, was the guest of honour at the sixth annual European Day for Border Guards (ED4BG) organised in Warsaw by Frontex on Thursday, 21 May.
During his opening speech, Commissioner Avramopoulos praised the work of border guards across Europe along with the role Frontex plays in the management of EU external borders. He congratulated the Agency on its 10th anniversary and spoke about the 30 years of the Schengen area.
“I believe this is one of the biggest achievements ever of the EU, as it touches upon the daily life of our citizens,” Commissioner Avramopoulos said.
“The creation of Frontex 10 years ago was the result of a common endeavour to strengthen the controls at the external borders in order to allow persons to cross the internal borders between Schengen States without border controls,” he added.
The Commissioner said Frontex would be one of the key players implementing the European Agenda on Migration introduced by the Commission earlier in May.
Frontex Executive Director Fabrice Leggeri said the Agency was already taking concrete actions towards implementation of the Agenda on Migration. It has reinforced operations Triton and Poseidon by deploying additional vessels, aircraft and helicopters, which will help save lives of the people seeking to cross the Mediterranean.
Some 800 people participated in this year’s European Day for Border Guards. Over 40 institutions, five EU agencies and two international organisations presented their work at an exhibition during the event. The programme included panel discussions on the Schengen Agreement, protection of children at EU borders, future passenger traffic and partner organisations’ cooperation with Frontex. Other attractions included a cinema with documentaries about migration, a photo exhibition, along with a performance by the Polish Border Guard Representative Orchestra.
ED4BG presents Europe’s border-guard community with an opportunity to share experiences, best practice and common values anchored in Fundamental Rights. It provides a forum for topical discussion, exchange of views between key border-management players.
