EU to get 10,000 border guards with new agency

The EU is set to beef up its external borders with 10,000 guards as member states and the European Parliament agreed on Thursday on a new agency.

The law piloted by PN MEP Roberta Metsola will see border guards deployed at Europe’s borders in an effort to address migration and cross-border crimes.

A final vote on the draft law approved this morning is expected to take place in April.

The new EU border agency was described as a “huge win for Europe and Malta” by Metsola.

The agency will also be tasked with ensuring that the process of returning those who are deemed not eligible for protection in Europe is made more efficient. 

Metsola said the new law allows for all the necessary tools to be used at Europe’s external borders to fight cross-border crime. 

“I am delighted that we have reached a provisional agreement on a new law that will address one of the major concerns of citizens across the union. The European Border and Coast Guard law will overhaul Europe's border management,” Metsola said.