The possible deployment of Frontex officers in Mauritania and Senegal fits in a broader trend of externalization: Member States are deeply divided over internal reforms, so instead choose to outsource responsibility to non-EU countries - often at the costs of refugees’ rights.

🐦🔗: https://n.respublicae.eu/Tineke_Strik/status/1627345880318631936

It is for example questionable whether people will have access to an asylum procedure in Mauritania or Senegal if they are intercepted by Frontex at sea and brought back.
There is a risk that people get stuck without access to protection, which is a basic fundamental right.

🐦🔗: https://n.respublicae.eu/Tineke_Strik/status/1627345899520155648

I'm also worried about the provision in the EU negotiating mandate that Frontex staff should enjoy immunity, meaning they can't be prosecuted.
Especially with the tasks that border guards perform, this is very risky in terms of accountability and harms a country's sovereignty.

🐦🔗: https://n.respublicae.eu/Tineke_Strik/status/1627345988624035841

Because of the large implications that a status agreement has, it has to be formally approved by the EP.
@ErnstCornelia is appointed as the Rapporteur for Senegal, I am for Mauritania. That is why we jointly undertake this informal fact-finding mission.

Follow for updates!

🐦🔗: https://n.respublicae.eu/Tineke_Strik/status/1627346040192999428