Brussels, 17/06/2013 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 17 June, the Commission published a report which analyses the development of the situation in the fields of immigration and asylum in 2012 and early 2013, and which recommends a more coherent response on the part of the EU.
The Commission recommends reinforcing well-run legal immigration and integration policies and the development of a more modern and effective management of flows of travellers at the external borders of the EU. It also argues for stepping up the fight against trafficking in human beings and of more effective measures to combat illegal migration.
Migration: driving force behind growth. “It will not be long until Europe starts to feel the impact of its ageing population and shrinking workforce. Even today, despite high levels of unemployment, there are around 2 million job vacancies across the EU (…). While immigration is not the only answer to fill skills gaps where they exist, it is certainly part of the common solution supportive of EU's economic growth strategy”, states the Commission. The institution stresses that negotiations on the directives concerning intra-company transfers and seasonal workers have made progress in 2012. However, the Parliament and the Council must make additional efforts in order to reach an agreement.
Rising to the challenges in international protection. With the adoption of new rules and standards on how to receive people who are asking for protection, the EU has come closer to a common area of protection and solidarity for the most vulnerable. Great efforts are now needed to implement the legislation and ensure this common system functions well and uniformly. The Commission intends to further promote practical cooperation, including through the European Asylum Support Office, and intra-EU solidarity (with Greece, towards those fleeing Syria and on the relocation of beneficiaries of international protection within the EU).
The total number of asylum applications in 2012 increased by 9.7% compared to 2011. It now stands at just over 330,000, which is well below the peak of 425,000 applications in 2001.
Facing migratory pressure. The Commission is to publish a communication on returns (scheduled for December 2013). The European Border Surveillance System (EUROSUR) facilitates the detection and tracking of small vessels. The Commission urges the European Parliament and the Council to formally agree on this proposal, with a view to making EUROSUR operational by the end of 2013.
Visa controls. The Commission has presented proposals to facilitate and reinforce border control procedures for third-country nationals travelling to the EU. It is also to propose that the European visa policy do more to support economic growth and cultural exchange by facilitating the travel of legal travellers, such as business people, tourists, students and young people.
Lastly, the Commission will adopt a report this year on the application of the Global Approach to Migration and Mobility (GAMM), focusing on the external dimension of the EU migration policy. (SP with LC/transl.fl)