EU Border Patrol Faces Scrutiny Over Human Rights Violations and Migrant Deaths
The European Union's border patrol, particularly through its agency Frontex, is under scrutiny for alleged human rights violations and illegal pushbacks at its external borders. In 2021, Croatian border guards were accused of abusing migrants and forcing them back to Bosnia, with no subsequent criminal prosecutions. In 2024, Bulgarian authorities allegedly obstructed rescue efforts, leading to the deaths of three teenage boys near the Turkish border. These incidents highlight ongoing concerns about the EU's border security practices, with rights groups calling for accountability and improved measures to protect human rights. The EU is investing in security research, allocating €12 million for advanced border surveillance and situational awareness by 2026.