Brussels, 04/07/2008 (Agence Europe) - The conclusions of the final report of the Future Group in the area of home affairs bank on increased operational cooperation from EU member states. “The underlying thread to a coordinated management of European, migration and security issues could be the 'convergence principle',” says the report which is to be presented to EU home affairs ministers in Cannes on Monday 7 July. The aim of the idea is to bring member states closer, not only by means of standardisation when necessary, but also by operational means (training at the European Police College, pooling of equipment, simpler cooperation procedures and information exchanges). The Group's conclusions will inform the next multi-annual justice and home affairs programme (2010-2014).
The flagship measures in the report are set out under various headings. Police cooperation: Europol should be a “focal point” for national police forces, through, for example, automatic data transfer. The group proposes that member states should work towards simplifying the regulations applied when a criminal investigation has to be carried out in another member state so that it could be made simpler to carry out certain non-coercive acts. The group also suggests that the EU should establish a model of Police and Customs Cooperation Centre (PCCC) applicable to all member states and operating, especially, in border areas. The technical management of SIS- VIS- and Eurodac-type files should be grouped within a single specific structure. Combating terrorism: the group would like to see better information flow between member states' enforcement authorities, Eurojust and Europol. Particular focus should be put on recruitment and radicalisation through the internet and on tackling the threat of Chemical Biological Radio Nuclear (CBRN) attack, with the setting up of a platform for early warning of the threat. Immigration: Here the group picks up most of the ideas contained in the Immigration and Asylum Pact (see EUROPE 9694). Developing civil protection: the Group encourages the development of a European policy in this area (see related article). Using new technologies and information networks. The group recommends implementing a European Union Information Management Strategy, and proposes putting forward a “top ten” data categories where exchange should be developed between member states. Implementing the external dimension of home affairs policy: closer cooperation between home affairs, foreign affairs, development and defence ministers should ensure an “integrated approach”. A differentiated approach to individual third countries and regions is warranted. By 2014, the EU should make up its mind on the political objective of creating a “Euro-Atlantic area of cooperation” in the field of freedom, security and justice with the United States. (B.C./transl.rt)