Immigration and European borders: cities and regions in the front line

"Member States must manage the European Union’s external borders in a spirit of solidarity, mutual trust, shared responsibility among equals, and full respect for human rights". For Mr Micallef, CoR member and local EPP councillor in Gzira (Malta), shared external EU borders should mean that border management is also based on common principles. One such principle is cooperation. For example, the Committee of the Regions recommends developing incentives to engage the northern African states, where one of the main migration flows originates, in the role of guarding the EU's southern borders.

The CoR feels that supporting the European Commission's comprehensive approach is the only way of getting to grips with the problem. Monitoring coastal borders, particularly in the South – an area in which there is scope for development - will not help unless there is cooperation with countries of origin. The CoR would like the Commission to step up communication and cooperation with these countries, encouraging them to inform their nationals of legal immigration channels and the risks of illegal crossings. There is therefore a need for closer cooperation with third countries which goes beyond coastal management. For the CoR, local and regional authorities have an advantage here in that they are experienced in twinning programmes and decentralised cooperation.

Managing immigration is also an aspect of the European neighbourhood policy, insofar as it deals with development, public investment and contacts with ACP countries. In order not to encourage migration flows, Mr Micallef argues that negotiations conducted in this context require that human rights be respected in third countries. The EU has a legal instrument at its disposal here, in that Article 13 of the Cotonou agreement provides that signatories must accept the return of illegal immigrants. The CoR also calls for detailed studies on the risks of mass regularisation of illegal immigrants and recommends that all authorities be informed of the findings.

To ensure that immigration is managed effectively, authorities will need to join forces, and to pool skills and funding, such as European funds to assist return and to stabilise immigration areas. The CoR also calls for the strengthening of Frontex, the European border monitoring agency, for the development of marine patrols in the EU and for harmonisation of legislation on human trafficking, in order to present a united front.

As Mr Micallef's opinion points out, although external borders are managed by States, it is local and regional authorities which are in the front line when it comes to dealing with the problems of mass illegal immigration. From one day to the next, local needs in terms of healthcare, education, social welfare, combating crime and illegal employment can change dramatically, and it is up to local and regional politicians to find the answers. It is therefore vital to equip them with the necessary resources to do so. The CoR thus endorses the recommendation to establish a pool of experts able to provide assistance in managing such situations.

At the same time, the Committee of the Regions feels that, given their hands-on experience of dealing with problems on a daily basis, local and regional authorities are best placed to determine the extent to which labour markets are able to absorb new employees.


For more information, please contact:
- Philippe de Casabianca, +32 0)2 282 25 95, +32 (0)2 282 20 85, E-mail: Philippe de Casabianca
- Martin Mallon, +32 (0)2 282 20 33, +32 (0)2 282 20 85, E-mail: Martin Mallon