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Next batch of standing corps officers ready to be deployed

A group of 86 Frontex officers from 16 European countries who trained at the Policia Nacional academy in Avila, Spain, have graduated from their basic border and coast guard training. 

The official ceremony was opened by Fernando Grande-Marlaska Gomes, Spain’s Minister of Interior, and Fabrice Leggeri, the Executive Director of Frontex.

“In this globalised world, the protection of our borders and the control of migratory flows are a strategic issue in any national or European security plan, and Frontex plays a decisive role in it. Our borders, the borders of the European Union, are the line of defence against terrorism and organised crime,” said Spain’s Minister of Interior.

“You must protect and enhance European values ​​and principles in your daily work wherever you are deployed. Thank you for your commitment,” he concluded.

The newly graduated officers are now fully-fledged members of the European standing corps community, and will soon join their colleagues who already support national authorities at EU’s external borders.

The six-month course, led by experienced trainers from Frontex and Member States, was designed to provide the officers with the necessary theoretical and practical competences to work together in an operational area, fully complying with the applicable EU law and ethical standards.

“Today shows that the European Union and Member States are working together to strengthen the protection of our borders – at land, sea and air. We are there to make sure that hundreds of millions of Europeans can feel safe at home, knowing that our external borders are secure,” said Frontex Director Leggeri in his opening remarks.

“Frontex stands ready to provide any additional assistance Spain may need to deal with any challenges at its borders,” he added.