Progress too slow on EU immigration policies

3.48.27pm GMT Tue 18th Jul 2006

Liberal Democrat European justice spokeswoman Baroness Sarah Ludford MEP today warned that the EU's chances of achieving effective action on immigration are being severely hampered by both legal complexity and a lack of political will by member states.

The Commission is set to adopt tomorrow a package of measures on illegal immigration, reform of visa procedures and cooperation of border guards.

Sarah Ludford commented:

"While any initiatives to improve migration management are welcome, we will never get the progress on safe borders and orderly migration that our citizens want unless the mess in this area of EU activity is sorted out."

"Opinion polls show EU citizens want common action on migration and border management. But member states indulge in political grandstanding and legal nitpicking. Getting any EU agreement is further hampered by the various 'opt-outs' of some member states, not least the UK."

"The EU border agency 'Frontex' is plagued by budgetary and staffing problems, and Poland has so far been unable to meet its obligations as host country. Member states must now ensure this situation is remedied."

"People want an effective and balanced response to immigration, with fair controls of legal immigration while preventing illegal entry, smuggling and trafficking. The EU is yet to rise to this challenge."