EU migration and asylum : a comparative assessment of FRONTEX and EASO

Abstract

2015 is a defining year for the EU due to the unprecedented influx of migrants in a borderless Schengen area. Migration and asylum remain challenging issues for the EU in achieving an area of freedom, security and justice. Two EU agencies, FRONTEX and EASO were established to better manage the EU's external borders and coordinate the diverse national asylum systems. Whilst they have distinct legal mandates, organisational and external relations arrangements, their tasks are complementary and close cooperation is pivotal. In 2012, they signed a working arrangement to establish a cooperation framework. Notwithstanding, not much is known on their practical bilateral relationship or their practical bilateral relationships or their development. Through a comparative research, this study examines the development of these two agencies and their inter-agency cooperation. From interviews with FRONTEX and EASO officials and analysis of the limited publicly available documents, it has been noticed that since its creation FRONTEX has managed to maximise its limited legal mandate whilst EASO experienced a more gradual and moderate development. lt was also noted that since the arrangement came into force, exchange of information between the two agencies has increased and is more effective. Nonetheless, mutual trust remains a weakness in the existing inter-agency cooperation, primarily in reciprocal representation.