Dresden, 16/01/2007 (Agence Europe) - EU interior ministers debated immigration at length on Monday, without being able to define a genuine European action plan, however. Before the informal meeting in Dresden, it had been hoped that a “common pact” on migration could be agreed (see EUROPE 9342). The European Council of 14-15 December had set clear guidelines to be followed in the areas of legal and illegal immigration (see EUROPE 9329).
German Presidency tried to maintain aim of increased cooperation, despite differences
“Given that the migratory pressure on Europe is continuing, migration policy remains one of the priorities, both at European and national levels,” German Interior Minister Wolfgang Schäuble said on Monday. “We have laid the foundations of good cooperation for the coming months,” he went on, pointing out that “no decision” had been taken by ministers. The various options set out by the Presidency had received “massive support” from Council members, he added. According to the minister, it will be a matter of examining how the positive effects of circular and temporary migration between the EU and third states could best be exploited. Mr Schäuble believes it is about, for example, “the possibility of giving legal access to the labour market”, a proposal which could be presented in a package of measures. He also made it clear that Member States had to provide the European Frontier Agency (FRONTEX) with increased funding. “We have to fill that tool box,” he said, pointing out that for some time his country had provided two helicopters for European coastal surveillance. He went on to say that officials (police, coastguards) should be put in reserve at borders and that, through the creation of a legal basis, they should be able to assume the responsibilities of police officers in the country to which they are sent.
Despite the Presidency's optimistic view, Luxemburg Justice Minister Luc Frieden admitted that, on immigration, there was still strong opposition at the Council table. “Immigration is a very difficult issue, where there is constant divergence of opinion,” he told press. Without naming them individually, he criticised those Member States which sought a purely national solution to the problem. He added, “When a problem goes beyond national borders, European solutions are needed. Any national initiative is destined to fail”.
Opening the debate, Italy's interior minister, Giuliano Amato, suggested that each Member State should, for its own geographical and historical reasons, establish an individual partnership with key third countries. The EU could also support such partnerships, he explained. He went on to quote the example of cooperation that Cyprus could set in place with Turkey or that which his own country has developed with Libya. According to Amato, Italian-Libyan cooperation allowed the number of illegal immigrants arriving in Italy to be reduced by 4% in 2006 compared to one year earlier.
European Commission warns Council and suggests concrete initiatives should be launched
Immigration Commissioner Franco Frattini called on Member States to fully implement the comprehensive approach that the European Council approved in December last, but also to keep to the deadlines set by the Heads of State and Government. On this occasion, Frattini again called on Member States to assist Frontex as soon as possible by providing equipment and personnel (EUROPE 9344). A letter is to be sent to Member States next week calling on them to contribute. “I expect a definite response by the end of March”, the Commissioner said, assuring that he would take all responses received into consideration. “I shall be quite open about it if there are any negative responses. It is not a matter of pointing at any State or blaming it. I am under an obligation to ensure that the Council's will is done”, he said. Franco Frattini also pointed out that he would soon be putting concrete ideas to the Council of Ministers, such as a model for an “overall agreement” that would then be negotiated on a case by case basis with states from which illegal migrants come. According to the Commissioner, such a proposal could “provide legal jobs in Europe (…) and help people to receive vocational and linguistic training”, and also ensure that temporary workers may re-enter their countries of origin. Frattini pointed out that Development Commissioner Louis Michel will soon be in a number of countries such as Mali, Senegal, Gambia and Mauritania. Upon his return, the Group of Commissioners on Migration will put forward a flagship project. Other measures could also facilitate visa issuance for some categories of people (students, research workers) in transit countries. Immigration will again be one of the main themes covered during the Justice and Home Affairs Council in Brussels on 15 - 16 February. (bc)