Frontex Executive Director Fabrice Leggeri has called on EU Member States to come forward with additional police officers and readmission experts to support Greece in returning migrants to Turkey.
Following a call for officers issued by Frontex on Friday, 18 March, Member States have so far offered 396 police officers of the 1500 requested. Frontex has also received offers to provide 47 of the 50 readmission experts the agency asked for.
“I am grateful to the countries who have offered police officers to assist in the escorting of migrants. We have almost reached the target for readmission experts. But I urge other Member States to pledge many more police officers if we want to be ready to support readmission to Turkey as agreed by the EU Council,” said Frontex Executive Director Fabrice Leggeri.
Frontex has shared with the Greek authorities the updated operational plan for Poseidon Rapid Intervention. It will be ready before the deadline at the end of this week. Frontex has also prepared a special training package for the escort officers.
The readmission operations will proceed in full compliance with EU and international law, as well as the principle of non-refoulement.
All of the officers will be seconded to Frontex from the authorities of Member States for a temporary period.