The Hungarian Presidency is committed to protecting EU borders and playing a key role in the activities of border security agency Frontex, Interior Minister, Sándor Pintér, declared on 9 February 2011 in Gödöllő, a city near Budapest. The minister delivered his speech at the meeting of Frontex’s Management Board.

The Hungarian minister reminded Frontex’s management, that the Justice and Home Affairs Council also appreciated Frontex’s activity at its late January informal meeting, in Gödöllő.

Frontex proved to be a worthwhile enterprise, and demonstrated that member state cooperation makes sense, in border security, Mr Pintér said. He highlighted that Frontex earned a reputation both in and outside the European Union. Frontex has clearly demonstrated that border protection by any member state, is a contribution to the protection of the entire EU.

Mr Pintér spoke highly of Frontex’s Rapid Border Intervention Teams (RABIT). He highlighted that RABIT activities have made illegal border-crossing, drop by 40 percent in Greece, which clearly proves the efficiency of the units. “RABIT units also use Hungarian technology and staff,” Mr Pintér added.

The Hungarian minister reassured Frontex of Hungary’s endorsement, and pointed out that the agency’s main task is to block illegal migration. However, he also under-scored the basic rights of individuals. “Security comes first, but the basic rights of individuals also matter”, said Mr Pintér.

“I strongly support the consent to criminal data management”, said Mr Pintér. He covered the need for a significantly better and faster information flow, and backed Frontex’s cooperation with third countries.

Established in 2004, Frontex is an agency responsible for the EU’s external border security. With its headquarters in Warsaw, it coordinates member state, border guard services to protect the EU’s external borders. It helps national border guards to prepare risk analyses, provides support in situations requiring advanced technical and operational efforts, and organises joint return operations.

Rapid Intervention Teams were first set-up in April 2007, primarily for the protection of the EU’s southern borders. Since their first deployment in October 2010 in Greece, illegal crossing at the Greek-Turkish border dropped by 44 percent in only 2 months. The operation involved 26 member states with visiting officers and technical equipment. Rapid Intervention Teams will be stationed in Greece until 3 March 2011.

The intensification of Frontex’s role is a priority for the Hungarian Presidency, which is ambitious to promote the Council regulation on Frontex’s extended mandate in these six months.

In addition to the 27 EU member states, representatives of Norway, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and the European Commission also participated at the Frontex Management Board’s two-day meeting in Gödöllő.

(eu2011.hu)