Brussels, 19/06/2007 (Agence Europe) - Paving the way forward for the conclusions of the next European Council, EU foreign affairs ministers spoke out on Monday in favour of the geographic enlargement and reinforcement of the global approach to the question of immigration. This global approach was first launched in 2005, and resumes the conclusions of the most recent JHA Council on the subject in exactly the same way (EUROPE 9446). The conclusions echo those of the two communications presented by the Commission last May (EUROPE 9248).
Increased external border controls: the Council considers that strengthening resources for the provision of joint EU maritime patrols in the Mediterranean is a significant advance. In a clear allusion to the tragedies suffered by illegal immigrants off the Maltese coast in recent weeks, ministers indicated that “it will still be necessary to intensify these measures given recent events” (EUROPE 9435). Nonetheless, Frontex still does not have the resources promised by member states (EUROPE 9445). Extension of the global approach to the east and south east: ministers appealed for strengthened cooperation with regions neighbouring the EU - the western Balkans, Turkey and European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) countries, as well as Russia, as priorities - in an effort to manage the arrival of a considerable number of immigrants from east and south east countries or immigrants who have transited through these regions. To achieve these ends, the EU is counting on the implementation of efficient cooperation in areas such as enhanced border controls, the fight against illegal immigration, organised crime and people trafficking. Ministers say that dialogue on migration questions should also be stepped up with countries of origin and transit in central Asia and Asia, depending on what migratory routes are taken. Reinforcement of the global approach: ministers note that the Commission's communication on circular migration and mobility partnerships “will serve as a basis for further discussions” on how to integrate the possibilities of legal migration into the Union's external policies. The Council, however, is adopting a cautious stance given the usual reticence of some states to allow legal immigration polices to be included in the Community field. Mobility partnerships will therefore only be envisaged, “in cases that benefit the EU” and third countries and only if the countries concerned so wish. These partnerships should also fully respect “the competencies of member states and the Community preference principle” and provide a significant focus on the fight against illegal immigration, people trafficking and readmission policy. The Council would like to see the Commission test these partnerships out in a limited number of pilot projects, after having consulted with member states. The Commission would then have to report the results of these consultations to the Council in an effort to work out by the end of 2007 whether pilot partnerships will be launched or not. The Council believes, however, that all possibilities should be examined in an effort to implement a well-managed circular migration policy in view of adopting Council conclusions by the end of 2007 at the latest. EU heads of state and government will make explicit references to these points in their final conclusions. (bc)