BRUSSELS, March 25 - Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) concluded a working arrangement to establish a framework for closer cooperation between the two agencies. The agreement was signed by Frontex’s Executive Director Fabrice Leggeri and EASA’s Executive Director Patrick Ky in Brussels.
“Frontex increasingly relies on the use of aircraft to support the Member States in managing the EU’s external borders. With the new agreement, our partnership with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency gets stronger and covers new areas,” said Fabrice Leggeri.
Under the working arrangement, the agencies will exchange operational experience and may conduct joint capacity building and training related to Frontex’s use of aircraft in its surveillance activities. EASA will assist Frontex in the selection of best providers and equipment, as well as in monitoring the safety of the operations of Frontex aircraft, including unmanned aircraft.
“We are happy to be able to support Frontex in its important task of protecting the external borders of the European Union,” Patrick Ky said. “This cooperation will enhance the safety of border control and coast guard activities and also support wider safe usage of drones for border control.”
About European Union Aviation Safety Agency - EASA
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is the centrepiece of the European Union's strategy for aviation safety. Our mission is to promote and achieve the highest common standards of safety and environmental protection in civil aviation. Based in Cologne, the Agency employs experts and administrators from all over Europe.
For more information, please contact:
Janet Northcote
Head of Communication
European Union Aviation Safety Agency
Email: communications [at] easa.europa.eu
