Sea-Watch, a German-based sea rescue organisation, has criticised a proposed European Union regulation to expand the powers and operations of Frontex, warning that the plan could increase border violence, surveillance and deportations of migrants and asylum seekers.

In a series of posts on X on October 27, the organisation condemned the proposal presented by the European Commission and European Commissioner for Migration, Magnus Brunner, arguing that it would transform Frontex, the EU border agency, into a more powerful force capable of pushing back people seeking international protection, including beyond EU borders.

Sea-Watch said the proposed regulation would significantly expand Frontex’s operations through the deployment of more armed border officials, increased surveillance and expanded deportation activities.

The organisation also raised concerns over the financial implications of the proposal, stating that the European Commission intends to allocate €12 billion to Frontex between 2028 and 2034.

It contrasted the proposed funding with the €26 million allocated annually to the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights, arguing that the spending priorities placed greater emphasis on border enforcement than on protecting people’s rights and welfare.

Sea-Watch further criticised the language used by the European Commission to justify the proposed changes, particularly references to external threats, security crises and dangerous migration.

According to the organisation, such descriptions reflect narratives promoted by far-right political movements and parties, which it said are increasingly influencing EU migration policies.

The rescue organisation also recalled allegations of human rights violations involving Frontex, including illegal pushbacks and cooperation with Libyan actors accused of crimes against humanity.

It noted that a case concerning Frontex’s alleged role in pushbacks to Libya is currently before the Court of Justice of the European Union.

Sea-Watch argued that security should not be defined solely by border protection and migration control, but should also include affordable housing, functioning public services, freedom from violence and respect for fundamental rights.

” We must not sacrifice human rights in the name of protecting them,” the organisation said.

It stressed that the proposed regulation has not yet become law, as negotiations are expected to take place between the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union.

However, Sea-Watch warned that increasing border controls, surveillance and deportations would not create a safer or more inclusive Europe.

The organisation called for opposition to the proposed expansion of Frontex’s powers, reiterating its campaign slogan, #AbolishFrontex.