EU Border Chief Defends Migrant Returns to Libya

Hans Leijtens, head of Frontex, the EU’s border agency, expressed regret over returning migrants to Libya—where abuse is well-documented—but told Euronews the agency often has no choice. “I don’t want people to be returned to Libya,” he said, adding that saving lives takes priority when other rescue options aren’t available.

Frontex detects migrant boats using drones and aircraft, alerting national coordination centres that may redirect vessels to Libyan shores. Human rights groups have condemned this practice, citing torture and detention in Libya.

Leijtens rejected claims that NGOs encourage migration, calling them “part of the ecosystem” working to save lives. He noted that Frontex contracts NGOs for post-return support and is open to further cooperation.

With EU President Ursula von der Leyen proposing a major expansion of Frontex’s staff, Leijtens signaled openness to strengthening the agency’s humanitarian role alongside its border enforcement mandate.