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Controlling the EU external maritime borders and saving immigrants’ lives in operations at sea
Controlling the EU external maritime borders and saving immigrants’ lives in operations at sea
Controlling the EU external maritime borders and saving immigrants’ lives in operations at sea
This regulation sets out the rules for the monitoring of the European Union’s sea borders, the interception of vessels suspected of carrying irregular immigrants and the rescue of those in danger at sea in border surveillance operations under the coordination of Frontex.
Regulation (EU) No 656/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 May 2014 establishing rules for the surveillance of the external sea borders in the context of operational cooperation coordinated by the European Agency for the Management of Operational Cooperation at the External Borders of the Member States of the European Union.
The objective of the European Union's external maritime borders policy is to ensure the efficient monitoring of the crossing external borders so as to counter irregular immigration and cross-border crime, while protecting and saving lives at sea.
To this end, sea operations under the supervision of Frontex (the European Agency for the Management of Operational Cooperation at the External Borders of the Member States of the European Union) are envisaged to:
Specific rules are set out in case of detection of vessels with irregular immigrants on board depending on where the vessels are intercepted (in territorial sea, contiguous zones or high seas). EU countries are able to seize the vessel, apprehend the persons on board and lead the vessel to a coastal country, the host EU country or to a non EU- country provided that this does not put them in danger.
Other rules are set out to manage search and rescue situations to offer assistance to persons in distress at sea and disembark the people who are rescued.
During an operation at sea, assistance must be provided regardless of the nationality or status of the persons to be assisted and in accordance with the relevant international law.
Border surveillance operations are carried out by EU countries with the operational support of Frontex. The agency is responsible for:
To this end, an operational plan is prepared containing details adapted to the circumstances of the planned operation at sea. In particular, operational plans must ensure that children and vulnerable persons are provided with appropriate assistance.
Solidarity mechanisms
EU countries subject to strong migratory pressure may request specific help and support from the European Asylum Support Office and the deployment of European Border Guard Teams, in case of an emergency situation.
Act |
Entry into force |
Deadline for transposition in the Member States |
Official Journal |
Regulation (EU) No 656/2014 |
17.7.2014 |
- |
OJ L 189 of 27.6.2014. |
last update 28.09.2014