Illegal migration among top priorities for EU Commission

The fight against illegal migration and human trafficking has been identified as one of the top priorities for the European Commission for next year.

Approving its annual policy strategy for next year, the Brussels executive said the implementation of new measures against illegal migration will be of topmost importance.

"Key actions will include measures to manage the EU external borders, including further development of the external borders agency (Frontex), improved networking of sea border controls, and a surveillance system helping member states to deal with growing flows of illegal immigrants," the Commission said.

The increasing numbers of illegal immigrants trying to reach European shores, particularly in Malta, Italy and Spain, during the past years has pushed up the subject to the top of the Commission's agenda.

Apart from illegal immigration, the Commission said growth and jobs remain a major policy priority for the Union, backed up by further efforts to tackle climate change and meet the Union's energy needs.

European Commission President José Manuel Barroso said that next year will also be an important year for the debate on the future of Europe and the Commission hopes to see a positive outcome on the institutional settlement.