The priorities for the new European Parliament in matters of justice and home affairs will depend largely on the definitive adoption of the Lisbon Treaty. But already, the countries from the South (Italy, Greece, Malta and Cyprus), which are most exposed to illegal immigrants, have started work on the illegal immigration and asylum dossiers. These have recently been made an EU priority and will be dealt with as part of the so-called Stockholm 2010-2014 road map on justice, freedom and security.

Of course, these topics and particularly the issues of immigration, society and family, need to be considered in the light of the very poor results obtained by the Socialists in the recent European elections, as well as the large increase in the number of Conservatives, and even some new extreme right MEPs.

If the Irish were to vote ‘yes’ in the Lisbon referendum, MEPs would be granted co-decision powers with the Council of Ministers in most JHA domains, whereas now they are only consulted on immigration issues (see Europolitics3407). However, due to a ‘gateway clause’ adopted by the European Council in 2004, the EP already has co-decision powers on all matters of asylum and the freedom of movement of persons, border controls (internal and external) and illegal immigration.

ASYLUM PACKAGE

So, although the EP has already agreed the asylum package – at first reading in May – it has now strengthened a few aspects in favour of asylum seekers (a guarantee of access to work within six months of the request and access to education for minors after three months at the latest).

Also, in a bid to reduce the burden of requests for asylum in countries such as Malta, Cyprus, Italy and Greece, at Europe’s main entry points (and therefore frequently responsible for examining asylum requests according to the Dublin system), MEPs have also called for “compulsory solidarity instruments (between member states) before the end of 2010”. At present, the Commission speaks of a more elaborate “solidarity” instrument, but purely on a voluntary basis. The asylum package must now go back to the EP for second reading after being examined by the Council.

Ultimately, MEPs, together with the Council will have to consider in detail the fight against illegal immigration in the Mediterranean as well as cooperation with transit countries, in particular Turkey and Libya (the latter not having signed the 1951 Geneva Convention on the status of refugees). EU heads of state and government recently appealed to the Commission to make proposals as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, the Commission has tabled a proposal for a directive intended to establish common criteria for entry into, and residence in, Europe for seasonal workers from third countries. The Parliament will examine the proposal.

Other topics facing the new EP include the ‘brain flow’ into the EU (students, volunteers, trainees) from non-member states, punishment at European level for attacks on minors and help for crime victims, among others.

The asylum package must now go back to the EP for second reading after being examined by the Council