Southern EU states to coordinate surveillance

A new system to coordinate the surveillance efforts of a number of countries on the southern borders of the European Union will come into operation at the end of next month, Frontex said yesterday.

Frontex, the EU border agency, is responsible for joint efforts by member states to fight illegal immigration.

The new system is called European Patrols Network. Frontex described it as a permanent regional border security concept that enables the synchronisation of national measures and their integration into joint activities.

Ilkka Laitinen, the executive director, said this development is key to achieving better surveillance of the EU's southern maritime borders - the main European point of entry for illegal immigrants.

"Last year we prepared two feasibility studies dealing with institutional and technical possibilities of the surveillance of the southern maritime border of the European Union.

"Just a few months later, we started with the implementation. I think this shows how dedicated to the surveillance of southern maritime borders we are," he said.

Frontex yesterday announced progress in compiling technical and human resource assets from EU member states to be used to assist member states experiencing sudden influxes of illegal immigrants.

Mr Laitinen said the number of assets offered so far was very satisfactory.

"We now have commitments from 21 member states, including for 21 fixed wing aircraft, 27 helicopters, 116 vessels, mobile radar units and other special technical equipment. Of course, we will welcome warmly any new assets," Mr Laitinen said.

Malta has contributed by committing one of its more sophisticated patrol boats.

Frontex last year coordinated Operation Nautilus - a 15-day patrol mission against illegal immigration in the strait between Sicily, Malta and Libya, also known as the central Mediterranean route.

This operation is expected to be enhanced this summer.