Brussels, 10/11/2006 (Agence Europe) - On 6 November, the European Parliament's Civil Liberties Committee voted to give the go-ahead to the idea of establishing a European Return Fund it improve the management of the return of illegal immigrants to their country of origin by providing aid to Member States. The legislation should come into force in January 2008. Adopting a report by Barbara Kudrycka (EPP-ED, Poland), the MEPs amended the proposals to highlight the fact that any measure co-funded by the new fund must comply with fundamental rights. The MEPs insisted on the need to promote voluntary return by developing stronger cooperation with local authorities and the provision of financial aid to third country nationals returning home voluntarily. The European Return Fund will provide EUR 676 mil for 2008-2013. The Civil Liberties Committee also approved three other funds - for the control of external borders and a common visa policy; the integration of legally resident immigrants; and asylum policy.