| Author (Corporate) | European Commission |
|---|---|
| Series Title | COM |
| Series Details | (2014) 154 final (11.3.14) |
| Publication Date | 11/03/2014 |
| Content Type | Policy-making, Report |
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In the past five years, policies have been developed to promote a more open and secure Europe. In June 2014 the European Council will set the strategic guidelines for the further development of the area of freedom, security and justice. Recognising that common European responses are needed to common challenges, the Council will be able to build upon the significant progress made since the Stockholm Programme set ambitious targets in 2009. Since then, a Common European Asylum System has finally been agreed, improving standards for those in need of protection. The Schengen area - one of the most popular achievements of the European project - has been strengthened. Channels for legal migration have been reinforced; there are now clearer conditions for entry and stay and a common set of rights for migrants exists. The common visa policy has undergone major modifications, which have simplified the entry of legitimate travellers into the European Union contributing to its economic growth. Visa requirements for several countries have been abolished. In the area of security, legislation and practical cooperation now provide common tools to help protect European societies and economies from serious and organised crime. Increased cooperation on law enforcement has proved essential for responding to common threats such as trafficking in human beings, terrorism, cybercrime and corruption. A framework for the EU’s external migration and asylum policies has also been put in place, allowing the EU to engage in a comprehensive manner with countries in its neighbourhood and beyond, and to contribute to on-going UN- and state-led initiatives in the field of migration and development. Whilst the achievements made since Stockholm are substantial, the work is by no means finished. Much remains to be done to ensure the full implementation and enforcement of existing instruments. Asylum legislation must be transposed coherently. The legal framework for a common migration policy is still to be completed and further efforts are needed in the area of integration. Security concerns need to be addressed with a clear necessity to step up law enforcement cooperation among Member States and EU agencies. Monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of legislation and policies must be made an integral part of the policy cycle. In preparing this Communication, the Commission consulted a wide range of stakeholders and interested parties, in particular through the "Open and Safe Europe: What's next?" stakeholders conference that took place on 29 and 30 January 2014 and via a public consultation that attracted many contributions. Discussions on our future policies were also held in the European Parliament, the Council, the Committee of the Regions and the Management Boards of EU Agencies. The debate on Home Affairs policies must be evidence-based. To this end, a selection of the statistical data relevant for this reflection is presented in the Commission staff working document attached to this Communication. |
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| Source Link | http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=COM:2014:154:FIN |
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| Subject Categories | Justice and Home Affairs |
| Countries / Regions | Europe |
