Press Release: Establishing a European Agency for the management of the operational co-operation at the external borders

The European Commission adopted on 11 November 2003 a proposal establishing a European Agency for the Management of Operational Co-operation at the External Borders (land borders, maritime borders and international airports) of the European Union. The Agency will assist Member States in implementing Community legislation in the fields of control and surveillance of the external borders and return of third-country nationals. It will not have a policy-making role, nor would it make legislative proposals or exercise implementing powers.