European Centre for Counter terrorism and Intelligence Studies, Germany & Netherlands – ECCI
Frontex eyes new role in EU drone defence
Euractiv ـ Frontex’s future role will also be discussed during this month’s Home Affairs Council, ahead of next year’s review of its mandate.EU ministers gathered on Saturday in Munich for what officials dubbed a “hardline migration summit”. But Europe’s border agency Frontex unexpectedly took centre stage in a new security debate, this time focusing not on migration, but on defence.
The meeting coincided with renewed tension in the skies above the Bavarian capital. For the second time in less than 24 hours, operations at Munich Airport were temporarily suspended late Friday following suspected drone sightings, disrupting flights for more than 6,500 passengers.
Speaking alongside German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, EU Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner hinted that the bloc’s border agency Frontex could be set to expand its mandate into drone defence. The Commission, he said, is considering redirecting border protection funds toward surveillance and counter-drone technologies, a move that could see Frontex take on new responsibilities at the crossroads of border security and defence.
“We started addressing the issue of drones in our internal security strategy about a year ago,” he said. “But now, of course, we are facing completely new challenges.”
The Commission has already earmarked €150 million for Frontex to invest in drone technology. Brunner revealed on Saturday that an additional €250 million from the Border Management Fund will be directed “specifically for drones,” potentially covering surveillance systems, anti-drone defences, and cross-border coordination to protect critical infrastructure.
He added that airport protection should “definitely be part of Frontex’s future remit,” hinting at a broader interpretation of the agency’s role beyond migration control. “The issue of critical infrastructure protection will certainly play a role there,” Brunner said. “So, the funds can also be used more broadly.”
Frontex’s mandate is up for review next year, and discussions are already underway in Brussels. According to a Council note seen by Euractiv last week, member states are considering granting the agency broader powers, including the ability to organise migrant transfers between non-EU countries, something current rules do not allow.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen flagged the reform earlier this year, promising to “boost Frontex’s role in managing returns.” The issue will return to the table at the Home Affairs Council on October 14, where interior ministers are set to debate how far Frontex’s expanded mandate should go.
