Brussels, 25/09/2008 (Agence Europe) - Several measures taken by the Italian government with regard to immigration and security, and especially the automatic expulsion of EU citizens, run counter to Community law and could entail sanctions, the European Commission said on Tuesday 23 September. The existing decree also “poses problems of compatibility with Community law”, stressed Jacques Barrot, European Commissioner for Justice, Freedom and Security. Similar problems also exist with regard to the draft decree on the transposition of the free movement directive (2004/38). “Contacts are under way between the Commission services and the Italian authorities to find solutions compliant with EU law”, the commissioner added. The Italian government has put to the Commission a series of measures to combat illegal immigration and ensure public law and order in response to offences committed by members of the Roma community. Such measures include immediate expulsion in the event of sentencing to more than two years' imprisonment. “The Commission remains hopeful of reaching a solution in conformity with Community law within a very short timeframe. If this should not happen, the Commission would launch infringement proceedings, as provided for by the treaty”, Mr Barrot warned. Regarding the two draft decree-laws relating to family reunification and procedures for recognising refugee status, the Commission considers the documents do not appear to pose problems of compatibility with Community law at this stage. “The Commission will remain closely attentive to the implementation of all the texts”, Mr Barrot concluded. (B.C./transl.jl)