EU migration policy is essential, Frattini insists

The need for a strict policy among all EU member states against illegal immigration and human trafficking was highlighted by EU Justice Commissioner Franco Frattini during a policy speech at the University of Harvard in Boston, US.

Referring indirectly to the problems southern Mediterranean countries such as Malta and Italy are facing due to the influx of illegal immigrants crossing from Africa to reach EU shores, Mr Frattini said the necessity to draw up a European migration policy with a Mediterranean dimension has now become essential.

He said migration pressure on the EU and especially its southern member states is increasing. Illegal migration from sub-Saharan Africa is on the rise and is expected to increase even further in the coming years.

"A sharp rise in African populations, continued poverty, environmental degradation, increasing number of gangs that organise the trafficking and smuggling of human beings and continued conflicts are all backing that assessment," he said.

Mr Frattini said that illegal immigration was a global problem and thus required a global response. The EU was ready to play an active role in this and in March of next year the Commission would present its views on the future priorities of the EU in this area.

During his speech, the EU justice chief referred to various measures the EU would be implementing in this strategy including the reinforcement of cooperation with countries outside the EU, considered to be countries of origin of illegal immigrants, an effective return policy so that illegal immigrants will be returned and the strengthening of administrative and operational cooperation between member states.

"EU member states are aware that all the decisions they take in this area will impact on the situation in other member states. That is why there is a need for a common policy that is firm in its opposition to clandestine immigration and trafficking in human beings, above all women and children," he said.

Following the various incidents involving illegal immigrants and certain member states, particularly Malta, Italy and Spain, the EU is expected to launch a package of emergency initiatives next month in order to help member states combat better clandestine immigration as from next summer.

The package should also cover Malta's suggestion for the creation of an emergency illegal immigration fund dedicating €20 million to be used specifically by the affected member states in their fight against illegal immigration.