Source: European Commission press release

The European Commission is today adopting proposals to help manage migration more effectively, improve the internal security of the European Union, and safeguard the principle of free movement of persons.

The package includes:

1. A Regulation establishing a European Border and Coast Guard bringing together a European Border and Coast Guard Agency built from Frontex and the Member States’ authorities responsible for border management. The new European Border and Coast Guard will have: (i) a rapid reserve pool of border guards and technical equipment, (ii) a monitoring and supervisory role, (iii) the right to intervene, (iv) coast Guard surveillance, (v) a mandate to work in third countries, (vi) a stronger role in returns and (vii) guaranteeing Internal Security.

2. A targeted revision of the Schengen Borders Code, allowing for systematic checks of EU citizens at external borders against databases such as the Schengen Information System, the Interpol Stolen and Lost Travel Documents Database and relevant national systems, in order to verify that persons arriving do not represent a threat to public order and internal security.

3. A Regulation on a European travel document for the return of illegally staying third-country nationals, with enhanced technical and security features

4. A revised EUROSUR (European Border Surveillance System) Handbook, describing in particular the tasks of the national coordination centers and how they are supposed to coordinate their reaction to irregular migration and cross-border crime at the different border sections

5. The 8th bi-annual report on the Schengen area, addressing two major challenges faced in the Schengen area: the refugee crisis and the terrorist threat.

For further information, please read the press release from the European Commission, redirecting you to specific factsheets on "A European Border and Coast Guard" and "Systematic checks at external borders", as well as the Q&A factsheet.