Prospects are good for a data protection framework decision, according to EU Council Presidency

Other important issues addressed by the EU home affairs ministers at their afternoon meeting today were the cooperation with third countries in migration-related matters and the envisaged European framework decision on data protection.

Following up on discussions at their informal meeting in Dresden and the previous Council meeting in February, the ministers and vice-president Frattini again examined possible measures to improve cooperation with third countries with a view to fighting illegal migration. In line with the conclusions of the European Council of December 2006, they focussed on possible partnerships with third countries as well as measures to promote circular migration.

Federal Interior Minister Schäuble underlined:

«Only if we work closely together with third countries will we succeed in our fight against illegal migration. But the countries of origin and transit themselves must also take effective measures against illegal migration and cooperate in readmission matters; otherwise we won’t have a real chance to contain illegal migration. This, however, requires responsiveness and support also on the part of the EU. If we accommodate third country nationals for a certain period of time in our countries to provide them education and training, if we assist them in reintegrating in their countries of origin after their return, and if we help these countries build border protection and migration management systems, then will it be possible to establish a successful cooperative relationship between the EU and the countries of transit and origin of illegal migrants.»

Another item on the agenda of today’s meeting was the envisaged framework decision on data protection. After one year of discussions in the Council working groups, Member States had expressed 250 reservations and scrutiny reservations. Therefore, the German Presidency thoroughly revised the draft framework decision in close coordination with the Commission in order to give new momentum to negotiations. Thus, the number of reservations has already been reduced by more than 75%.

In his report to the Council about his talks with the European Parliament regarding the framework decision, minister Schäuble said he hoped to make significant progress in this matter still during Germany’s EU Presidency.

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