The changing role of Frontex : a case study on possible future cooperation in border control between Frontex and the Malta customs

Abstract

Frontex has also included cross border crime in its mandate. In this regard, it is essential that all border control agencies are included in security at the borders. This study addresses the present scenario regarding the cooperation level of the local border forces and their respective levels of cooperation with the Agency Frontex. This study analyses whether this level of cooperation can also be transposed to the Maltese Customs. This study finds that there is a good level of cooperation and mutual trust between the Police, Customs and Armed Forces of Malta in Malta. Due to cross border crime, Customs must be considered an integral partner in border security This study finds that since now Customs is being considered an actor in securing the borders, the level of cooperation with the principal border agency Frontex needs to be enhanced. Frontex, as one of the actors in Border Security, is pivotal in the working relationship between this agency and the other local security forces. The design of this approach is explorative as this topic has not been analysed yet. The data collection is has been achieved via semi structured interviews and content analysis of documents issued by Frontex, newspaper articles, public statements and other primary and secondary data sources has been performed.