The European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) has launched its new operational command structure for Greece and Cyprus.
Frontex Contingent 2, which will oversee Frontex activities in Greece and Cyprus, is located in Alexandroupolis.
According to the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, the key features of the new operational structure are as follows:
—Unified Command: The Contingent 2 Commander will manage all Frontex operations under Joint Operations Greece and Cyprus
—Operational Coverage: Contingent 2 includes 28 operational groups across land, sea and air borders, organized into four sections, three in Greece and one in Cyprus
—Decentralized Decision-making: A shift from Warsaw Headquarter to field based leadership, enabling faster responses and more decisive action in close cooperation with host states.
Deputy Executive Director for Operations, Lars Gerdes, said at the official launch in Alexandroupolis (29/11) that “this new field structure gives leadership close to the action, clear commands, and the tools to succeed. For Greece, this means stronger support during migration surges in the Aegean. For Cyprus, this means quicker reactions to any influx”. [1]
The Chief of the Hellenic Police, Lieutenant General Dimitrios Mallios, during his speech at the event, described the operation of the structure as a “milestone for the implementation of the fully integrated integrated border management strategy” and highlighted the importance of this initiative, emphasizing: “Undoubtedly, Greece is one of the Member States that bears a significant burden in guarding the external borders of the European Union. However, this guarding is a common burden, which requires the cooperation of all Member States, especially under the current challenges of hybrid threats and increased migratory flows”. [2]
[1] https://www.linkedin.com/posts/frontex_frontex-activity-7267905244611678209-tHxL
[2] https://www.astynomia.gr/2024/11/30/30-11-2024-o-archigos-tis-ellinikis-astynomias-stin-episimi-enarxi-leitourgias-tis-domis-dioikisis-frontex-stin-alexandroupoli/