BRUSSELS 

The executive director of the European Union’s border protection agency, Frontex, has strongly denied allegations suggesting that it continues to be involved in illegal pushbacks and human rights violations at Europe's borders.

During a session of the European Parliament's Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs Committee held on the heels of recent European parliamentary elections, Hans Leijtens addressed concerns raised by Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) from various political factions.

This marked the committee's first meeting of the new legislative term.

Leijtens said that around 40,000 irregular migrants had been returned with Frontex's assistance so far this year, emphasizing that 65% of these returns were voluntary, occurring on planned flights.

He noted that only 22% of those whose international protection applications were denied have been deported, a figure he described as "too low" and indicative of the need for the EU to enhance its efficiency in managing returns.

Responding to criticism related to Frontex's past involvement in pushbacks and other human rights issues, which had led to the resignation of his predecessor, Leijtens highlighted the reforms he has implemented since taking office in December 2022.

He asserted that these reforms were aimed at addressing and rectifying the agency's past failings.

However, MEPs from the Left group were not convinced by Leijtens' defense.

French MEP Damien Careme criticized the lack of significant change under Leijtens' leadership, pointing to ongoing reports of violations in Greece, Albania and Bulgaria. Careme also expressed concern about the agency's transparency, particularly regarding its role in alleged human rights abuses.

"Very little has changed since you took office in December 2022," he said.

He referenced media reports, including those from the BBC, which suggested that Frontex officials continue to overlook human rights violations. He demanded greater transparency and accountability from the agency.

Greek MEP Konstantinos Arvanitis echoed these concerns, citing recent reports of pushbacks in Greece and from Bulgaria to Greece, which he claimed took place under Frontex's watch.

In response to these allegations, Leijtens firmly denied any involvement by Frontex in such activities.

"We have never, never conducted pushbacks. There is no report about that," he said.

The issue of pushbacks and Frontex's alleged complicity in these practices has been a recurring subject of controversy since 2020.

Reports have repeatedly emerged alleging that Greek Coast Guard vessels, sometimes in cooperation with Frontex, have obstructed or sabotaged migrant boats attempting to cross from Türkiye to Greece.

The reports, backed by various forms of evidence including witness accounts, video footage and satellite imagery, have sparked intense scrutiny and demands for accountability within the EU.