Spain and Malta laud efforts to halt migration wave

Migration took up a large part of the EU summit conclusions, much to the joy of states such as Spain and Malta, which have been dealing with record numbers of immigrants this year.

Spain’s Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero was satisfied with the conclusions which included strengthening the EU border agency, Frontex, setting up a European surveillance system for the southern borders, working towards a common European asylum system by 2010 and increasing dialogue and co-operation with third countries.

Leaders also agreed that efforts should be stepped up to reach readmission agreements with third countries and to examine Commission proposals to help member states meet labour needs by allowing skilled workers to come to Europe.

The Council revisited the controversial ‘passerelle clause’, which was put forward by the Commission and taken on board by the Finnish presidency to speed up decision-making in the area of justice and home affairs. A majority of member states are opposed to it as it would involve them giving up their national vetoes in this sensitive area.

The Council conclusions are therefore deliberately vague on the issue. References are made to difficulties with decision-making procedures, discussions on the issue during a meeting of justice and home affairs ministers in Tampere and the need for practical progress and development of operational co-operation among member states.

Two references in draft conclusions to the constitutional treaty’s provisions for justice and home affairs were seen by Germany as pre-empting a process to revive the treaty which has not yet begun. France, the Netherlands and the UK also opposed references to the treaty, given the sensitivities of being seen to endorse it. Both references were therefore deleted from the final draft.

Migration took up a large part of the EU summit conclusions, much to the joy of states such as Spain and Malta, which have been dealing with record numbers of immigrants this year.