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Report on the next steps in border management in the European Union and similar experiences in third countries

Document number
2010
Date
2009
Title
Report on the next steps in border management in the European Union and similar experiences in third countries
Author/publisher
Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs, European Parliament, European Union (EU)
Availability
View/save PDF version of this document
Document type(s)
Meeting Documentation/Conference Reports,
Keywords
A6-0061/2009, Migrant rights; Migration management; Comprehensive approach to migration; Migration policy; Restrictive migration measures, Irregular Migration, Feminization of migration, Economic migration, Labour migration, Free movement, Undocumented migrants; Undocumented labour;
Summary
The European Parliament (EP) adopted this own-initiative report in order to deal with a new block of measures on border management envisaged by the Commission. Whilst recognizing the need for stronger border controls, the EP criticizes the lack of a comprehensive master plan setting out the overall objectives of the EU's border management strategy. The EP expresses its concern that the proposed entry/exit system will not put an end to the ‘overstay' phenomenon of third country nationals. Regarding the registered travel programme for TCNs the EP criticises the use of the words 'low-risk' and 'bona fide' travellers because ‘it would imply that a huge number of travellers are considered a priori as 'high-risk' or 'mala fide' and therefore recommend the term 'frequent travellers'. The Parliament also questions whether the proposed ESTA system is absolutely necessary, asking for a thorough explanation of the rationale behind it. Finally, the report stresses that a clear assessment and evaluation is needed of the functioning and effectiveness of existing measures before proceeding to any new proposals in this field Furthermore, the report underlines the need to pursue a more in-depth discussion on all three proposed measures with all the relevant actors, including public debates at national and European level. (Source: ECRE weekly bulletin)
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