European Parliament Vice-President Roberta Metsola has been elected as the Chair of the new investigative committee tasked with looking into the allegations about the European Union’s management of its external borders and the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, Frontex.

Her appointment was supported by every major political group represented in the European Parliament.

Speaking after the appointment, Metsola said “What we want out of this process is to give clear answers to the questions that are being asked and look into and recommend improvements in the way things are done.”

She will have to report back to the Parliament within four months.

She said “we will focus on different aspects including the compliance and respect for fundamental rights; the Agency’s internal management, and in ensuring that the transparency and accountability standards that are expected are reached.”

Metsola continued by saying that it is a purposefully varied remit that focuses on different aspects of the Agency’s operations.

“I hope the process will lead to a series of recommendations that will give clarity and confidence to people looking at the EU’s role in external border management”, Metsola said.

She said that she is grateful for the confidence that the different political groups have placed in her, in chairing this Scrutiny Group and that she is looking forward to working with a dynamic, experienced, group of MEPs from all political backgrounds.