The European Parliament is set to approve the establishment of the new European coast guard and border control force patrol the EU borders. Speaking in Strasbourg, Tuesday night, during the European Parliament plenary session. Commissioner on Migration Dimitris Avramaopoulos said it was an agreement of historic significance given the short amount of time (6 months) for deliberations on the matter. Greek MEP Eliza Vozemberg said it was an important step, as it oversee the protection of the EU external borders while concurrently shielding the Schengen area. ‘It is important because our country doe snot have the ability to sufficiently and effectively cover its external borders, given the size of our coast lines’, said the Greek MEP. The new body will not replace existing national coast guards, but will act in a complementary way in the event national coastguards are unable to cope with increased demands and pressures due to the migrant crisis. Avramopoulos rejected concerns voiced at the EP that the creation of the new service would in any way encroach on national sovereignty.