The Agency is managed by its Executive Director. The functions, powers and appointment of the Executive Director are stipulated by Articles 25 – 26 of the Council Regulation (EC) 2007/2004 establishing the Agency.
The Executive Director is completely independent in the performance of his/her duties. Without prejudice to the respective competencies of the Commission, the Management Board and the Executive Bureau, the Executive Director neither seeks nor takes instructions from any government or from any other body.
The European Parliament or the Council may invite the Executive Director of the Agency to report on the carrying out of his/her tasks.
Functions and powers
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establish and maintain effective cooperation between Frontex and competent authorities of the Member States in its field of activities;
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ensure cooperation between Frontex, the Commission, the Council and other relevant Community bodies; facilitate contacts with the European Parliament;
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ensure effective and proper cooperation between Frontex and the authorities of third countries competent in Frontex field of activities;
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facilitate effective and proper cooperation between Member States and relevant Third Countries in matters related to cooperation at the external borders;
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ensure proper cooperation with international organsations;
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represent Frontex in media;
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set strategic objectives to be achieved by Frontex Divi
The Executive Director shall be accountable for his activities to the Management Board.
Appointment
The Executive Director is appointed by the Management Board on a proposal of the Commission. The Management Board takes its decision by a two-thirds majority of all members with a right to vote. Power to dismiss the Executive Director lies with the Management Board, according to the same procedure.
The Executive Director is assisted by a Deputy Executive Director. If the Executive Director is absent or indisposed, the Deputy Executive Director takes his/her place.
The term of the offices of the Executive Director is five years. It may be extended by the Management Board once for another period of up to five years.
At its first meeting on 25 May 2005 the Management Board appointed Gen. Brig. Ilkka Laitinen Frontex Executive Director.
