09/01/2002 (Agence Europe) - CDU member Ingo Schmitt welcomed the European Commission's presentation of a communication on illegal immigration (see EUROPE of 17 November, p.8), but considered it has come a little late. In his view, the Commission's concrete proposals are "a first step towards a European immigration and asylum policy taking account of reality". In particular, the German MEP considers "one can but support the Commission in its initiative against illegal employers". He welcomes the material sanctions proposed against them, such as the freeze in assets.