Euractiv reported the information.The move follows growing concern over recent drone incursions into European airspace, including sensitive sites in Belgium. A 30 October Council note shows EU capitals are debating whether Frontex should take on extra duties to tackle hybrid threats, from airspace violations to protecting strategic assets.The review of Frontex’s mandate, set for next year, was announced by EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and is now in the 2026 EU work plan. Envoys will discuss it on 5 November, reflecting growing interest in aligning Frontex with Europe’s evolving security needs, shortly after adopting a NATO-style command structure.Currently, Frontex helps EU countries manage external borders by providing on-ground support, fighting cross-border crime, gathering intelligence, and assisting with returns. Last month, Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner, speaking with German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, suggested Frontex’s mandate could expand to drone defense and airport protection, a sensitive issue amid reports of Russia-linked disruptions at civilian airports and surveillance at military bases.The Council note suggests these measures may require changes to Frontex’s rules, allowing the agency to assist member states during hybrid-threat situations, update rapid border intervention protocols, or create provisions for migration-related and other hybrid threats.Outside the EUA Council paper proposes giving Frontex more authority to work with third countries, expand beyond six Western Balkan deals, deploy teams at major airports or key crossings, and conduct “pre-departure” checks for Schengen-bound travellers.Capitals want Frontex to deploy return teams to non-EU countries and coordinate returns between third countries, easing migration route pressures. They will also consider Frontex supporting “return hubs” under bilateral deals, extending its operations beyond EU borders.The debate coincides with plans to expand Frontex’s standing corps to 30,000 by 2027, as pledged by von der Leyen. However, capitals stress that the agency’s future mandate must be clearly defined before any expansion.