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Most of the EU Member States and Schengen-Associated Countries taking part in Frontex operations in Greece have decided to extend their deployment, as requested by the Agency. This support highlights the European assistance for Greece at its land and sea borders, despite the difficulties caused by the outbreak of COVID-19.

Just yesterday, 116 German and 19 Danish officers were transported to and from Greece as part of a rotation in Frontex sea and land operations in Greece. The new officers will assist the Greek authorities with border control. Their charter flights were organised by Germany and co-financed by Frontex.

Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, currently deploys 624 officers along the Greek land and maritime borders.

The Agency is taking all necessary steps to protect the staff deployed in its operations by providing the necessary protective gear.

“In these difficult times, we all think of the importance of essential personnel in our countries. But we must not forget about those who are still protecting Europe’s external borders. Frontex deploys in Greece officers from 21 EU Member and Schengen Associated Countries who work far away from their homes and families. We do our utmost to make their work as safe as possible,” said Frontex Executive Director Fabrice Leggeri.

Frontex has opened an ad-hoc logistics facility in Greece to provide a safe and secure storage facility for Frontex to hold Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for use in Greece, Bulgaria and the Western Balkans. Frontex, which is in the process of launching the European Border and Coast Guard standing corps, is also in discussions to create a long-term logistics hub to support operations in the region.