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Frontex takes step towards creating multinational coast guard

Xinhua, December 1, 2016 Adjust font size:

The European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) on Wednesday said it took first step towards the deployment of multinational crews in its maritime operations.

Frontex said in a statement that it has called on the European Union member states and Schengen Associated Countries to provide officers for the newly adopted European coast guard.

All member states were asked to submit offers for officers by Dec. 15.

Starting next year, Frontex will deploy three off-shore patrol vessels from Finland, Romania and France, which will have multinational European crews for the first time.

Currently, member states provide vessels, along with their own crew, to participate in Frontex joint operations.

"This marks a tangible step in our transformation into the European Border and Coast Guard Agency. This solution will allow us to be more effective when assisting member states at the EU's external maritime borders," said Frontex Executive Director Fabrice Leggeri. Endit