The European Commission adopted the last package of detailed proposals, linked to the next Financial Framework 2007-2013 on 6 April 2005. According to this proposal the area of justice, freedom and security shall receive financial means of 8.3 billion € of which 70-75 percent will be given to the framework programme for the “Solidarity and management of migration flows”. Within this programme, four major targets shall be reached: The improvement of efficient controls at the external border of the EU, the funding of civic orientation courses and handbooks assisting newcomers, providing adequate reception conditions for persons asking for international protection and for counselling for unsuccessful asylum seekers and illegal immigrants to return with dignity to their country of origin.

Besides the area of freedom, security and justice, the proposals adopted by the Commission are focused on Competitiveness for growth and employment, EU-Citizenship, Health, consumer protection and fisheries.

The estimated cost of the package is € 93 billion and is already included in the proposal for a new Financial Framework adopted by the Commission last year. The current revenue ceiling is thereby kept intact. The package completes the proposals from July and September 2004 and is the last needed for the Council and the European Parliament to reach an agreement on the next Financial Framework. The area of freedom, security and justice will obtain € 8.3 billion.

 

Freedom, security and justice are considered core values which constitute key components of the European model of society. It is clearly recognized that the challenges posed by immigration, asylum, and the fight against crime and terrorism can no longer be met adequately by measures taken only at national level. Action at European level really makes the difference and can make the daily business and family life of EU citizens easier.

Vice President of the European Commission, Franco Frattini said at a press conference in Brussels: "This budget increase is a clear message to the European citizens of the determination to allocate sufficient means to address the challenges posed by immigration, asylum and the fight against crime and terrorism".

 

The Commission approach for achieving this goal is based on three framework programmes that will replace the multitude of instruments that the Commission currently manages in this field. The enlarged EU aims to give real substance to the concept of solidarity for the development of common policies on border checks, asylum and immigration. The framework programme for the Solidarity and management of migration flows will support national actions such as:

 

• Improving control efficiency at the external border of the EU, while ensuring smooth crossing of the external borders by bona fide travellers 
• Funding civic orientation courses, intercultural training and handbooks assisting newcomers and (local) governments and facilitating the integration process. 
• Providing adequate reception conditions for persons asking for international protection in the EU as well as a fair and efficient examination of their request for asylum. 
• Counselling for unsuccessful asylum seekers and illegal immigrants to return with dignity to their country of origin.

Together with the framework programmes “Fundamental Rights and Justice” and “Security and safeguarding liberties” the area freedom, security and justice will obtain € 8.3 billion.
The programme "Solidarity and management of migration flows" will represent the main part of the funding, with around 70-75% of total appropriations.

by Daniel Naujoks

Further information:

 

 

Press release by the Direction General Freedom, Security and Justice