On 4 December 2019, the new Frontex Regulation (EU) 2019/1896 entered into force. The main features are summarised in the press release of 4 December 2019.

The Regulation includes the following strengthening objectives for Frontex:

• Develop integrated planning such as capability development planning, contingency planning, and operational planning;
• Be capable to conduct operations in non-EU countries not neighbouring the EU;
• Upgrade its management system;
• Continue to provide national authorities with operational support on land, at sea, and in the air;
• Provide experts and training in order to further contribute to the fight against cross-border crime;
• Continue to assist national authorities in effective returns of those persons not eligible to remain in the EU;
• Focus on post-arrival/post-return assistance;
• Provide ongoing situation monitoring at external borders, risk analyses, and information exchange on what is happening at the EU’s borders and beyond;
• Engage at least 40 fundamental rights monitoring specialists to be involved in its operations.

The new Regulation also means that Europe’s first uniformed service is in place. Furthermore, Frontex will work more closely with national authorities in order to better plan the EU’s responses to challenges – rather than merely reacting to crises.