Last week, the twenty-seven EU heads of state and government called for "the enhancement of the operational capacities of Frontex" and asked for "an examination of the possibility of regular chartering - financed by Frontex - of joint return flights," according to the summit conclusions.
This decision, the first of its kind at EU level, was taken ten days after the sending back of three Afghans to their home country caused political controversy in France. Paris forged an agreement with London to share a charter flight, as the UK was also seeking to expel illegal immigrants to Kabul.
The French government tried to play down the event, pointing out that no debate had taken place in the media in Britain, where the public accepts such flights. The French authorities claimed that the three Afghans were from Kabul, but the Afghan government said they came from a more dangerous part of the country and so should not have been sent back.
The Council conclusions asked for a "determined European response based on firmness, solidarity and shared responsibility". Although this request is somewhat vague, the Commission should nevertheless table proposals in early 2010 examining the possibility of financing joint regular return flights via Frontex.
The Council also asked for "clear rules of engagement for joint operations at sea". This issue is of particular importance for Turkey and Libya, in whose waters migrants from Central Asia and sub-Saharan Africa respectively are often found.
