The European Union (EU) has, in many cases, taken responsibility for ensuring that member states’ laws and policies meet human rights standards. However, on the issue of migration, the EU has been part of the problem rather than part of the solution, inspiring the term «Fortress Europe».
On 9 June 2008, the Council of Ministers of the EU formally adopted a new EU Directive that allows detention pending deportation for up to 18 months. Its apparent aim is to stem migration flows to Europe.
Document: http://www.aieu.be/static/documents/2008/MigrationRelatedDetention_eng.pdf