This study aims to support the European Commission Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs (DG HOME) with the evaluation of Regulation (EU) 2019/1896 on the European Border and Coast Guard (EBCG Regulation), assessing its relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, coherence, and EU added value. This is done by analysing the functioning and results of the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex), including its objectives, mandate, resources, and tasks from the entry into force of the EBCG Regulation (2019) to January 2023. It also considers the whole EBCG, including the role of Member States1 and Frontex, and the division of responsibilities. The study also supports the review of the Standing Corps, including its functioning and composition, size of Member States' contributions, number of staff, level of training, expertise, and professionalism (in line with Article 59 of the EBCG Regulation). The results of this study will support the Commission by providing the necessary evidence to prepare a Staff Working Document on the evaluation of the EBCG Regulation and review of the Standing Corps. As such, the study identifies key conclusions and lessons from the analysis. The findings presented are based on extensive data collection, including desk research, three surveys, 149 interviews with Member State national authorities, Frontex, other European Union (EU) stakeholders (European Commission, European Parliament, European External Action Service (EEAS), EU agencies), non-governmental organisations, international organisations, and third countries. The study team undertook five field visits to Member States where joint operations with Frontex are taking place (Bulgaria, Finland, Greece, Italy, Romania), as well as to Frontex headquarters in Warsaw.
