EU leaders have agreed to broaden the remit of the bloc's common security and defence policy to include illegal immigration, organised crime and terrorism.
The development came yesterday during the first day of a heads of government summit in Brussels that for the first time in five years had a strategic discussion on security and defence.
The conclusions adopted yesterday also speak of developing support for third states and regions to help them improve border management and the development of an EU maritime security strategy by June next year.
The developments are crucial for Mediterranean member states like Malta that have borne the brunt of immigration flows from the North African coast.
Prime Minister Joseph Muscat yesterday welcomed the move, saying this could result in the use of surveillance drones at sea and on the desert to serve as an early warning system.
The conclusions also called for the development of next-generation drone technology between 2020 and 2025 that will however be owned and operated by the member states. The European Commission will be creating the necessary synergy on regulation to integrate drone use into the European aviation system by 2016 and provide research funding from next year.
Member states also called for enhanced cooperation on EU civilian missions through better coordination by the Commission and the High Representative.
Although the EU has a security and defence policy, the bloc does not have an army or military capability. Military and security issues remain the competence of member states and the UK yesterday made it clear it will not accept the development of an EU army.
France has also made its pitch for the Central African Republic mission to be taken over by the EU that will ease the financial burden. France has sent troops in the troubled African state that has descended into sectarian and religious violence. Poland has signaled its intention to provide military back up.
Immigration is expected to be on today's agenda of the summit with members states widely expected to endorse a 38-point operational plan submitted by a Commission task force.
Malta will also be insisting on the principle that the plan should be accompanied by timeframes that can be set by the Commission at a later stage.
ksansone@timesofmalta.com