Archive
Border externalisation: the EU seeks deeper connection in Libya
This issue of our Outsourcing Borders bulletin covers the EU's latest actions in Libya, disinformation campaigns around West Africa, and more. Read More
How the EU coordinates migration control around Africa
Every year the European Commission produces a report summarising the state of external migration cooperation. Divided by regions and then countries, the report offers insight into the latest projects, spending and diplomacy the EU is using to pursue its goal of keeping people from reaching Europe. The January 2026 edition – covering activity in 2025 – reveals the EU continues to put significant effort into securing deportation agreements with African nations. It is also working to re-establish a diplomatic presence in the Sahel region, with an eye to restricting people moving through the region. Read More
Border externalisation: Frontex and the EU’s global deportation regime
The latest issue of our bulletin on EU border externalisation policies includes: a "comprehensive" strategy document for a radically expanded Frontex deportation mandate, the EU sees more room to grow in Libya migration partnership, and an internal security strategy presentation hints at further intensifying of border control Read More
Border externalisation: updates to EU external Action Files
The latest issue of our bulletin on EU border externalisation policies includes: action files for Egypt, Tunisia, Mauritania, Afghanistan and the Western Med and Atlantic Route, hints at the future governance of Frontex and a plea to 'mention' human rights more in external engagements Read More
New report examines Frontex’s growing role in West Africa
A new report provides a critical examination of the evolving role of Frontex, the EU Border and Coast Guard Agency, in West Africa. Read More
Exporting Borders: Frontex and the Expansion of Fortress Europe in West Africa
The EU is pushing its migration control far beyond Europe’s borders. This report, co-published with the Transnational Institute, exposes how Frontex operates in West Africa under the cover of cooperation, entrenching neo-colonial influence, undermining rights, and reshaping the Sahel into a securitised buffer zone. Read More
Border externalisation: billions of euros, visa sanctions, and a wealth of documentation
The second issue of our bulletin on EU border externalisation policies is now available. Read More
The politics behind the EU-Mauritania migration partnership
On 7 March, the EU and Mauritania signed a landmark “migration deal.” This January note from the European Commission makes the case for the deal to EU member state representatives in the Council. Dated 26 January, and therefore preceding both the public announcement of the deal on 7 February and its signing one month later, the note offers insight into the politics behind the migration partnership deal between Mauritania and the EU. Read More
Frontex celebrates “expanding footprint” beyond the EU in report on third country cooperation
EU border agency Frontex is obliged to report annually to the European Parliament, European Commission and Council of the EU on its cooperation with non-EU countries. The 2021 report, obtained by Statewatch and published here, focuses on an expanding influence in the Western Balkans, information sharing, the expansion of the European Border Surveillance System (EUROSUR) to non-EU states, and deportations. Read More
EU: Tracking the Pact: Plan for Frontex to deploy “vessels, surveillance equipment, and carry out operational tasks” in Senegal and Mauritania
The EU's border agency is also due to open a "risk analysis cell" in Nouakchott, Mauritania, in autumn this year, according to documents obtained by Statewatch and published here. The two "action files" put heavy emphasis on the "prevention of irregular departures" towards the Canary Islands and increased cooperation on border management and anti-smuggling activities. Earlier this month, the Council authorised the opening of negotiations on status agreements that would allow Frontex to operate in both countries. Read More