Barnier urges EU to keep borders open

France’s European Commissioner, Michel Barnier, called on Europe on the 9 May 2011 to keep its borders open to immigrants and to stand up to politicians attempting to use the issue for political gains.

In remarks that could prove controversial amid growing political tensions in France and the European Union over migration, Mr Barnier, internal market commissioner and a former French foreign minister, pleaded for more foreigners to be allowed into the 27-member bloc to help it deal with its rapidly ageing population.

In EurActiv's feature on the speech by Mr Barnier a different topic is highlighted - Mr Barnier argued that the positions of President of the European Council and President of the European Commission should be held by one 'President of the EU'

EurActiv, 10.5.11: Barnier wants single president for the EU http://www.euractiv.com/future-eu/barnier-barroso-van-rompuys-offices-merged-president-eu-news-504706

ESO: Background information: Brussels pushes for border controls http://www.europeansources.info/record/brussels-pushes-for-border-controls/

European Commission: RAPID: SPEECH/11/317: Michel Barnier, Member of the European Commission and Former Minister: Towards a New Europe, Humboldt University Berlin - 9 May 2011 http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=SPEECH/11/317&format=PDF&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

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