91999E0649

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0649/99

by Cristiana Muscardini (NI) to the Commission

(16 March 1999)

Subject: Uncontrolled increase in EU immigration

The EU is currently bearing the brunt of a huge wave of immigration; some countries, however, because of their geographical position, are less able than others to control the flow of immigrants. Since several countries, such as Italy, have immigration laws that are incapable of even partially responding to the real needs of both EU and non-EU citizens, and until such time as political union can be achieved, could the Council not lay down rules to ensure that migratory flows are subject to the same controls in all Member States?

Answer given by Mrs Gradin on behalf of the Commission

(7 May 1999)

The Commission agrees with the assessment that the control of migratory flows at Union level will be one of the main objectives to be met in connection with the implementation of the Amsterdam Treaty.

Specifically, under Article 62(1) and (2) of the EC Treaty (ex Article 73j), the Council is to adopt measures on the crossing of the Member States' external borders, including in particular standards and procedures to be followed by Member States when carrying out checks at external borders and rules on short-term visas.

Likewise, under Article 63(3)(a) and (b) of the EC Treaty (ex Article 73k), the Council is to adopt measures on immigration policy in the areas of conditions of entry and residence, illegal immigration and illegal residence.

Moreover, the implementation of the Protocol integrating the Schengen acquis into the framework of the European Union will provide the Union with a series of instruments developed previously in the context of intergovernmental cooperation.

Accordingly, it would seem that the legal framework which exists following the entry into force of the Amsterdam Treaty will effectively allow legally binding standards for immigration and border controls to be adopted at Union level.