Commissioner Magnus Brunner, on behalf of the European Commission, has defended the legal basis of Frontex's pilot project EUROSUR Fusion Services Multipurpose Aerial Surveillance in Cape Verde, stating that it is grounded in Regulation 2019/1896. The answer, provided to a parliamentary question by Tineke Strik (Verts/ALE), clarifies that the project falls under Article 66(4) and Article 10(1)(x) of the regulation, which allow Frontex to plan and implement pilot projects related to its tasks, including those under Article 28 on European Border Surveillance system fusion services. Brunner also noted that under Article 73(7), Frontex should make pilot projects with third countries public.
The Commission's response addresses concerns about the legal basis for the pilot project, which involves aerial situational awareness activities in Cape Verde. Strik had questioned whether the working arrangement between Frontex and Cape Verde provides a substantial legal basis, and if not, what the project's legal basis is. The Commission did not directly answer whether the working arrangement itself serves as the legal basis, instead pointing to the regulation. On the third sub-question regarding specific assets used, the Commission deferred to Frontex, promising to send the Agency's reply to the MEP.
Policy orientation and institutional follow-up The answer signals a firm stance by the Commission that the pilot project is legally sound under existing EU law, without offering new commitments or additional transparency measures. The Commission's reliance on existing regulation suggests no immediate policy shift. The promised follow-up from Frontex on asset details may provide further clarity, but the response remains largely procedural. Stakeholders, including civil society groups concerned about EU border externalization, may view the answer as insufficiently transparent, while Frontex and EU border security advocates see it as a legitimate exercise of the agency's mandate.
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