Brussels, 21/09/2007 (Agence Europe) - As the European Parliament prepares to hold its priority debate on immigration on Wednesday 26 September in Strasbourg, Socialist MEPs of the European Parliament prime up for striking a balance in EU policies between the fight against illegal immigration and the area of legal immigration. “We must first of all take a practical look at these issues. We don't need populism”, said Lilli Gruber (PES, Italy) on Tuesday 18 September, addressing a small group of journalists. She is to present an own-initiative report on legal immigration with strong emphasis on the integration of immigrants. She states she is in favour of the Commission's sectoral approach (EUROPE 9501) but admits that it will be “complicated” for the EU27 to reach an agreement. Reliable and harmonised statistics are needed prior to setting up a common policy, which is far from being the case today, Lilli Gruber states. The former journalist also calls on the Commission not to forget those who are less qualified, for example cleaning ladies and home helps for the aged, who make up a large majority of immigrants in Europe. Underlining the rights and duties of immigrants, especially towards the social security system, she urges for immigrants to be under an obligation to pay their social contributions while in the EU, but believe they should be entitled to a pension once they return to their home country. Such rights should also be open to women, “the most vulnerable”, who should be given greater possibilities, she added. “In order to combat illegal immigration, one must also open up the channels for legal immigration”, said Lilli Gruber, but in order to do this it is necessary to allay the fears associated with immigration, often hyped up by politicians and the media. “Immigration is a necessity for Europe mainly because our population is ageing”, pointed out Javier Moreno (PES, Spain), author of the report on illegal immigration. “But as long as there is an underground economy and people willing to hire illegal workers, there will be illegal immigration”, he deplored. “Europe must be firm with employers who unscrupulously exploit illegal labour. It should also be uncompromising on passer networks. We are in favour of sanctions”, said Claudio Fava (PES, Italy), responsible for preparing the Parliament's report on harmonising sanctions against illegal employers (EUROPE 9428). Mr Moreno went on to conclude that climate change can also have a considerable influence on immigration. He therefore calls on the Commission to look at this problem. (bc)