French Interior Minister calls for Frontex to be deployed in Northern Europe

Gerald Darmanen says the EU border guard door should “take care of Northern Europe”. In recent years, many immigrants have attempted to reach England in boats across the English Channel.

French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin has asked Frontex to take action on the EU’s northern borders. Darmanin told reporters in the coastal city of Calais on Saturday that he had contacted Frontex himself and asked to “take care of northern Europe” and especially the strait between France and Great Britain. In recent years, many immigrants have attempted to reach England in boats across the English Channel.

According to the French authorities, more than 9,500 crossing or attempted crossings were recorded last year, more than four times the number recorded in 2019. Six people died and three others are missing. Due to the large volume of traffic in the strait, strong currents and cold temperatures, crossing is associated with numerous risks.

Darmanin welcomed the agreement between Britain and France last week, according to which London wants to support Paris with around 63 million euros in curbing illegal immigration. France has promised to deploy more security forces along the coast.

(WHAT/AFP)