Brussels, 29/05/2007 (Agence Europe) - At its meeting in Eltville (Germany) on 20-21 May, the high level advisory group on the future of European home affairs policy discussed setting up a European police force at the borders. This group, made up of seven ministers, is to draft recommendations on European home affairs policy starting in 2010, after the Hague Programme ends (see EUROPE 9429). At the request of German Interior Minister Wolfgang Schäuble, who wants calm debate, participants undertook not to reveal too much of their discussions. Not all of the issues discussed remained behind closed doors, however, as a diplomatic source told EUROPE, indicating that “Setting up a European police force at the borders is an idea that came up several times during the debate”. At the start of discussions, Luxembourg Justice Minister Luc Frieden stated clearly he was in favour of setting up such a police force. Nevertheless, member states have widely differing positions on this issue, including whether this joint police force was to be considered in the short, medium or long term. It was undeniably “a long-term prospect,” the source said, noting that, in police cooperation (where unanimity is required), member states like the United Kingdom, the Czech Republic and Sweden are reluctant to devolve their powers. Frontier management was also discussed from the angle of ways that would allow the FRONTEX agency to develop. The other topic of discussion was the common management of borders, particularly setting up a Schengen area entry-exit system, similar to the American model (see EUROPE 9381) and setting up an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA). The second meeting of this group will take place in Brussels on 25 June, also during the German presidency. Italian Interior Minister Giuliano Amato will attend this meeting, which will be devoted to the increasing overlap of internal and external security. Discussions will focus on general legal principles in the area of terrorism and security, expanding cooperation with third countries on security issues and a comprehensive approach for EU missions in third countries to better coordinate military, law enforcement and civil protection operations. The group's final report is to be submitted in the second half of 2008 and will be used by the Commission as the basis for its future planning. (bc)