Two Finnish newspapers report that rapid action forces are being planned for securing the external borders of the European Union.
According to the Jyväskylä-based daily Keskisuomalainen and the Kuopio newspaper Savon Sanomat, common equipment and mobile units of experts are to be deployed to leaky spots at the EU’s borders.
Brigadier-GeneralMikko Kirjavainen, the chief of the sea and border section of the Finnish Border Guard, says that the member states will appoint personnel for the forces, who will undergo a set training programme.
In addition to dealing with difficulties linked with border security, the forces would also be available for crisis management operations.
Proposed legislation by the Commission is currently in the hands of a committee of the European Council. Member states have also discussed and commented on the proposal.
Kirjavainen says that responsibility for the arrangements and implementation of the operations is in the hands of Frontex, the EU agency responsible for external border security.
