Brussels, 03/06/2003 (Agence Europe) - In its communication on "Immigration, Integration and Employment", adopted on Tuesday, the European Commission highlighted the importance of integrating immigrants and called for greater coordination of European and national polices on this subject. It is calling on the Fifteen to adopt the directive on long term residents this month (see above) and is planing the granting of political rights. It is proposing that the Council makes a commitment to adopting, before the end of the year, the directive on economic immigration. It is suggesting that the future directive on recognition of vocational qualifications applies to third country nationals. It is also encouraging better reception facilities for immigrants, notably via language courses. In July, it is going to launch a EUR 12 million programme over three years for integration of pilot projects. The communication is followed by an annex on the situation in the different countries. The Commission also approved on Tuesday its communication on reforming asylum and illegal immigration.