Portugal receives 25 Frontex agents to boost border control

Portugal hosted a ceremony in Lisbon to welcome the Frontex Contingent 5, deploying about 25 European border‑guard agents to the country. The contingent will focus on reinforcing controls at ports and airports, assisting with the new Entry/Exit System (EES), and supporting multidisciplinary efforts against illegal immigration, human‑trafficking and drug trafficking. Ministers of Internal Administration Luís Neves (Portugal) and Fernando Grande‑Marlaska (Spain) attended, underscoring Iberian cooperation.

The European Commission has earmarked €7‑8 million for infrastructure and technical tools to aid Portugal’s external border management. Authorities plan to train additional police staff, expand technology, and may increase the Frontex presence to as many as 60 agents. The initiative aims to improve operational efficiency, reduce bottlenecks, and maintain security while facilitating passenger flow.

The deployment reflects ongoing collaboration between Portuguese forces—including the PSP, GNR, and military branches—and Frontex, with Spanish counterparts also represented, highlighting a joint effort to secure the EU’s southern external frontier.