EU plans for permanent coastal patrols

The European Commission yesterday unveiled the most comprehensive measures so far in its efforts to help member states fight illegal immigration.

The measures, which include new tools and more money, were drafted by a group of EU commissioners led by Justice Commissioner Franco Frattini and including Maltese Commissioner Joe Borg. Many of Malta's requests have been taken on board by the Commission.

The setting up of a permanent border control structure to act as a European coastal guard service for the southern EU shores is one of the main thrusts of the Commission's proposals.

According to the communication, entitled Reinforcing The Management Of The Southern Maritime External Borders, the EU border control agency Frontex should look into the feasibility of continuously carrying out control and surveillance operations at the southern maritime external borders in particular between spring and late autumn 2007, thus covering the season when most illegal immigrants attempt to sail to the EU from Africa.

"Apart from leading to the interception of more boats with illegal immigrants on board and saving lives at sea, continuous operational activities will also act as a deterrent, thereby easing the pressure on this part of the external borders and preventing potentially critical situations from escalating to the levels registered this year. It is also necessary to step up controls at, and surveillance of, other parts of the Union's external borders," it said.

In this context, the Commission is suggesting the setting up of a permanent coastal patrol network specifically for the southern maritime border.

"The Commission believes that this patrol network would have a real added value, making it possible for member states to coordinate their patrol schedules, pool their resources and exchange strategic and tactical information in real time. The network should be established as soon as possible and managed by Frontex together with the member states of the region. It could also be seen as a possible forerunner to a fully-fledged European coast guard service."

Addressing the press in Brussels, Mr Frattini said the Commission is also suggesting a number of other tools including the establishment of a common European surveillance system for borders to focus on synergies created by linking the existing national surveillance systems in use at the southern maritime external borders. In the second stage, however, it should gradually replace national surveillance systems at land and maritime borders, providing a cost-efficient solution including a combination of radar and satellite surveillance at European level.

Mr Frattini said more funds are necessary in order for the EU to be successful in its endeavour.

"An efficient and rapid use of the new External Borders Fund will be essential for the implementation of the proposed measures. This fund foresees, subject to the final decision by the budgetary authority, a total of €1.82 billion for the period 2007 - 2013, of which about €170 million will be available in 2007. The total budget of Frontex for 2007, taking into account the recent amendments by the European Parliament, will be €34 million," he said.

Mr Frattini said the Commission is also suggesting in a separate communication concrete measures to help Africa in the fight against migration particularly by helping countries there improve their employment opportunities so that fewer citizens will feel the need to emigrate to the EU.

The communication will now be discussed by member states.