The little-known Irara NGO was the largest non-state recipient of Frontex funding last year, receiving some €39m in 2025. The NGO is headed by UK security veterans and operates in 36 countries, including Afghanistan.
Last year, Frontex contracted out €163m on return operations to eTravel SA, a Poland-based company. The agency’s budget and powers are now set to expand in September, including on deportations.
A closed-door event – “Saving Lives at Sea” – jointly-organised by Frontex and UN high commission on human rights, is taking place Thursday in Brussels.
The European Commission plans will deliver major boosts to both agencies with nearly €12bn earmarked for Frontex and €3bn for Europol.
A report by Save the Children found that underreported crossings reduce the visibility of children on the move, increasing the danger threat many of them are facing as they travel without adult supervision.
Between March 28 and April 5, no fewer than five boats sank in the Mediterranean, carrying migrants trying to reach Greece or Italy. At least 180 people died trying to reach Europe in just over a week. What are Europeans’ responsibilities in this regard?
Universities play a significant, if often obscured, role in the development, perpetuation and expansion of Fortress Europe, says the Transnational Institute report.
Operating under the supervision of three Greek officers, the Afghan unit robbed, stabbed, threatened rape, and beat 61 newly-arrived migrants in 2023, says the report.