Brussels, 25/03/2010 (Agence Europe) - To the great surprise of all, the European Parliament, on Thursday 25 March, adopted measures to frame surveillance by the Frontex agency of the EU's external sea borders. Although a majority of MEPs voted, by 336 votes to 253, with 30 abstentions, to reject the proposed measures, they failed to muster the absolute majority of 369 votes required. The proposal was, therefore adopted, against the recommendation of the civil liberties committee (LIBE), which has competence in this area (see EUROPE 10101). Internal Affairs Commissioner Cecilia Malmström welcomed the result, stating that the decision was “necessary” and “urgent” because “the number of boats trying to cross the Mediterranean will increase sharply again in the coming months, as it does every summer”, and because the changes adopted “will reduce the risk of lives being lost at sea”. The draft decision on which MEPs voted contained guidelines which seek to help member states deal with interceptions of migrants at sea and bringing them ashore. MEPs wanted the measures to be binding, but the proposed rules are only voluntary. The draft text says that member states operating under the aegis of Frontex have a duty to go to the assistance of migrants in distress at sea, no matter their nationality, status or the circumstances in which they find themselves. The guidelines state, too, that Frontex agents should also take into account any requests for assistance, the situation of the ship and the presence of children, pregnant women and passengers in need of medical assistance. Disembarkation procedures should be carried out in line with international law and existing bilateral agreements between member states and third countries. (B.C./transl.rt)