THE EUROPEAN Union’s border force (Frontex) and the system it spearheads should be abolished, activists at protests in cities across Europe demanded today.

Marking the launch of Abolish Frontex, an activist network comprised of over 50 groups campaigning against the EU’s border policies, demonstrators gathered outside the agency’s Brussels headquarters this morning, plastering it in red paint and posters with the campaign’s demands.

“The policies of Fortress Europe have killed over 40,555 people since 1993,” Abolish Frontex said in an open letter published today.