Frontex and the rule of law crisis at EU external borders

Abstract

The resignation of the Executive Director of the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (hereinafter: Frontex or Agency) at the end of April 2022 re-opened Pandora’s box with regard to the adequacy of the accountability mechanisms on the Agency. The turmoil was caused by several allegations of breaches of the law, which seems to be confirmed by the OLAF report, leaked at the end of July 2022. Notable examples include workplace harassment, alleged fraud in public procurement, delays in hiring fundamental rights monitors, and ignoring recommendations and opinions of the Fundamental Rights Officer (FRO); last but not least, covering up push-back operations conducted by Greece and other Member States.