Brussels, 11/03/2003 (Agence Europe) - The first phase of the Ulysses Project for inspecting EU maritime borders is failing according to a report sent by the Spanish authorities to the Greek Presidency. Diplomats indicated that the lack of a common working language and problems of technical compatibility has seriously complicate the work that should have been accomplished in common on five Spanish, Italian, French, British and Portuguese boats. They have not intercepted any illegal immigrants. The commission believes that this is regrettable but not scandalous, given that it is a first try. "Ulysses is one of seventeen pilot projects being carried out for preparing EU border cooperation. The Presidency will give a report on the projects in working groups next week.
During the last JHA Council that discussed the initial results of a study that the Commission was preparing for June on the maritime borders, Commissioner Vitorino stressed that it would be necessary to work on the technical control instruments, as well as the systems for collecting and exchanging data on boats. He therefore proposed to organised cooperation in the Mediterranean in three zones under the control of Spain, Italy and Greece respectively, based on the model for cooperation in the Baltic Sea. H also suggested centralising intelligence activities and strengthening cooperation on tracking suspect ships.