MIGRANTS AT SEA, RESCUE AND MANAGEMENT OF EU EXTERNAL BORDERS: AN ISSUE OF ACCOUNTABILITY

The paper deals with the EU border protection apparatus, in the context of the joint border surveillance initiative, with special reference to the competences of the new European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex). The new Regulation (EU) 2019/1896 promotes a strengthening of the mission of the European Border and Coast Guard, with the aim to establish a permanent body entrusted with the protection of EU maritime borders. EU policy concerning the role and responsibilities of the European Member States, such as coastal States, is examined in the light of the competence of Frontex, according to the new regulation and with special reference to limits of State jurisdiction concerning monitoring and control activities on the high sea. In this context, the paper points out the utilities and responsibilities that can arise from the use of coast guard authorities in cross-border and cross-sector operations, and from the organized sharing information system between all the subjects that can play a central role in managing safety at sea.