Brussels, 11/06/2003 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday, on the initiative of Commissioners Chris Patten and Antonio Vitorino, the European Commission adopted a draft regulation "Establishing a programme for financial and technical assistance to third countries in the area of migration and asylum" for 2004-2008 with overall expenditure of EUR 250 million. It will put into effect the Commission's December 2002 Communication (see Europe of 4 December). The Communication called for an approach addressing the root causes of migratory movements; a partnership on migration stemming from a definition of common interests with the countries concerned; and specific and concrete initiatives to help these countries to increase their capacity in the area of migration management. It gives a legal framework and complementary financial and technical aid to third countries in order to support their efforts in better managing migratory flows, especially countries currently negotiating or implementing "readmission" agreements with the EU. A Commission spokesperson said: "The Commission believes that this new, special-purpose instrument is an appropriate complementary response to the Seville European Council's request and a tangible expression of the EU's solidarity with third countries that are resolutely committed to improving management of migratory flows and to readmitting their nationals".