The development of Frontex: integration through supranationalism

ThisarticleinterrogatesthedevelopmentoftheEuropeanBorderandCoastGuard(Frontex)anditsimplicationsfortheEU ’ s approach to border control coordination. Through the theoretical lens of the principal-agent model, it investigates information asymmetry and friction between stakeholders in the implementation of Frontex ’ s increased competence at the borders. The fi ndings of this article show that the development of Frontex has led to growing incentives for the EU ’ s supranational institutions to steer the agency to pursue their individual objectives, creating new supranational elements in EU border management.