Munich Migration Conference: Plans to Expand Frontex into a ‘Repatriation Agency’
Munich, September 25, 2026 – Discussions are set to take place at the Munich Migration Conference this Saturday regarding an expansion of the mandate of the border protection agency Frontex to include comprehensive repatriation responsibilities. Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) plans to transform Frontex into a ‘border protection and genuine repatriation agency,’ a spokesperson for his ministry confirmed on Friday in response to an AFP inquiry. The ‘Münchner Merkur’ first reported on these plans.
Frontex’s primary responsibility is the protection of the EU’s external borders. While the authority already supports member states with repatriations, national authorities are fundamentally responsible. The so-called Munich Migration Meeting, hosted by Dobrindt, is scheduled for Saturday afternoon. 17 European interior ministers and EU Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner are expected to attend.
Goals for a New European Migration Order
The objective is to provide ‘central, common impulses for a European migration turnaround,’ Dobrindt told the ‘Münchner Merkur.’ He stated, ‘We are transforming the European Asylum Pact into a new European order by protecting external borders, strengthening the migration pact, and consistently managing repatriations.’
According to the ‘Münchner Merkur,’ Dobrindt’s proposal includes expanding Frontex’s mandate to make it responsible for the return of migrants directly from border procedures, as well as for repatriations from transit countries that are not EU members, such as Serbia, Kosovo, or Albania. Furthermore, Frontex is envisioned to operate globally, organizing repatriations to deportation centers in third countries outside the EU.
Deportation Centers in Third Countries
Germany is currently preparing such deportation centers with EU states Denmark, the Netherlands, Austria, and Greece. The goal is to conclude an agreement with a third country by the end of the year. Discussions were held particularly with Rwanda during the summer, but other states in Africa or Asia could also be considered.
The initiative underscores a broader European effort to streamline and strengthen migration management, particularly concerning the return of individuals not eligible for asylum. The proposed changes to Frontex’s role reflect a shift towards a more proactive and centralized approach to repatriation across the European Union.
The conference is expected to be a crucial platform for member states to discuss and potentially align on these significant policy changes, which could redefine the scope and responsibilities of Frontex in the coming years. The outcomes of these discussions will likely have far-reaching implications for migration policies within the EU and its relations with third countries.
