Fourth report on the operationalisation of the European Border and Coast Guard

The effective protection of the European Union's external borders is the prerequisite for the normal functioning of the Schengen area without internal border controls and for the delivery of the European Agenda on Migration. The joint investment and engagement in ensuring that the European Border and Coast Guard becomes fully operational as quickly as possible, are a practical expression of the commitment of Member States to share responsibility and demonstrate solidarity in the common interest. With this in mind, the Commission has been reporting on a regular basis on the operationalisation of the European Border and Coast Guard.

The present report takes stock of the progress made since the beginning of May 2017 in this respect. In the light of the progress achieved in the implementation, it highlights the key actions which the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, the Commission and Member States need to take in the coming months.

The Agency has completed the baseline vulnerability assessment for almost all Schengen States regarding their capacity to cope with the challenges at their EU external border sections. This led the Agency to identify vulnerabilities in a number of Schengen States and recommendations to remedy the identified vulnerabilities. As set out in the European Border and Coast Guard Regulation, the Agency will carry out simulation exercises and continue emerging threat assessments in view of assisting the Schengen States in identifying vulnerabilities related to possible future or already emerging challenges at the external borders.

The Agency has been carrying out joint operations along the main migratory routes, notably in the Central Mediterranean, the Eastern Mediterranean and further on the Western Balkans route. The Agency has also launched a new joint operation to address the irregular migratory flows on the Western Mediterranean route.

ESO: Background information: European Agenda on Migration: Commission calls on all parties to sustain progress and make further efforts http://www.europeansources.info/record/european-agenda-on-migration-commission-calls-on-all-parties-to-sustain-progress-and-make-further-efforts/

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