The Commission's proposal for the preliminary draft budget (PDB) 2008 was made in the first quarter of 2007. In its proposal, the EC contribution for Frontex amounted to EUR 38 million. At the time when this proposal was made, the 2007 budget of the Agency amounted to EUR 34 million and therefore the Commission's proposal for 2008 represented an increase on the 2007 budget (+ 11.8 %).

Furthermore, following concerns regarding the Agency's capacity to respond to challenges brought about by migratory pressure in maritime channels in a number of Member States during the summer months in 2007, the Commission made available an additional EUR 7 million in operational expenditure. This increase in budget made it possible for the Agency to respond to an increased workload, thereby allowing it to continue its joint operations at sea borders for a longer period.

Finally, as far as the 2008 budget is concerned, the interinstitutional process should be fully considered. In this regard, the Budgetary Authority also has an important role in deciding on the need for additional resources and the use of the margin. In fact, following the first reading by Parliament, an additional EUR 30 million has been voted for under title 3 for operational expenditure of the Agency in 2008. Subject to confirmation in the final 2008 budget, the EC contribution for Frontex in 2008 would amount to EUR 68 million.

OJ C 191, 29/07/2008