May 16

May 16, 2007: European Interior Ministers Meet

The Interior Ministers of France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain and the United Kingdom met in Venice on 11-12 May, 2007, in order to evaluate possible developments in the areas of common interest with the aim of contributing to the advancement of the freedom, security and justice in the European Union.

The attention was focused on migration policy, the fight against organised crime, drug trafficking and counter-terrorism. These issues of crucial importance for G6 countries require a common response capability. The Ministers took note of the progress achieved in the ongoing research into liquid explosives, the “check the web” project and the project on the joint support teams against serious terrorist attacks. They agreed to further continue with the exchange of experiences to assist better terrorism victims. The Ministers also took note of the development of the Liaison Officers’ network in the Balkans, of the actions aimed at countering the trafficking in human beings, of the project relating to the implementation of integration policies. They agreed to go on with the development of these initiatives. Subsequently, the Ministers examined some specific themes and reached the following conclusions.

Migration: The Ministers reaffirmed the importance of sharing information, improving co-ordination and supporting each other in their efforts to govern migration at the European and domestic level. On a case by case basis, this will include an informal dialogue to prepare legislation at EU-level. They note that management of legal migration is an important factor in fighting illegal immigration and countering criminal organisations that exploit it, in a comprehensive common approach of dialogue and cooperation with countries of origin and transit.

The Ministers hold that a mutual knowledge of the different national experiences is conducive to a fruitful decision-making. They agreed to regularly proceed to an exchange of information, experiences and evaluation on the criteria and mechanisms adopted nationally as regards immigrants’ entry and stay in their national territory.

Organised Crime And The Fight Against Drug Trafficking: The Ministers expressed their concern about the increase in cocaine production and the sharp growth in its consumption in Europe. They pointed out that the cocaine route towards Europe originating from South America and passing through Western and Central Africa is gaining ground. While reaffirming G6 Countries’ commitment to continue and enhance the fight against heroin trafficking from Central Asia, particularly from Afghanistan, the Ministers agreed on the need to promote initiatives aimed at preventing the entry of cocaine into Europe through the above-mentioned new route. It is also necessary to establish an African platform of European Anti-Drug Experts/Liaison Officers stationed in Western Africa as well as to convene Anti-drug meetings at senior officials level of G6 Countries and Mediterranean African States.

Moreover, the Ministers welcomed the initiative aimed at developing more effective techniques to combat document forgery/counterfeiting, which is an instrument widely used by criminal organisations in order to commit other more serious crimes.

Fight Against Terrorism: The Interior Ministers of G6 Countries welcome the European Commission Vice-President and Justice, Security and Freedom Commissioner as well as the U.S. Homeland Security Secretary, whose attendance witnesses the importance of developing the Transatlantic Dialogue on terrorism. In line with the discussions held during the G6 meeting, G6 Countries and the U.S.A. are united in condemning terrorism and are committed to the research of shared solutions to combat it most effectively. To that end they discussed some areas of possible international co-operation, that could strengthen States’ ability to combat terrorism.

The Ministers recognized the need to carry on their efforts aimed at preventing and struggling against radicalization and recruitment. In order to enhance the Transatlantic Dialogue, they deem it useful to share information, research, analysis, positive experiences and law enforcement methods in a way that is consistent with the initiatives under way also in the context of the other relevant international Fora.

The Ministers agreed on the importance of preventing and pursuing behaviours inciting the violence and racial hatred. They welcome the Commission’s intention of mapping the situation of radicalisation in the EU, of organizing a conference on youth and radicalisation and of issuing a hand-book of best practices on what works in the field of violent radicalisation .

They consequently considered a series of approaches that could help reinforce State security while fully complying with human rights protection according to international obligations.

The Ministers believe that, in some legally regulated cases, expulsion related to terrorism has proven to be an effective tool for States in order to protect their people from foreign nationals that are believed to pose a threat to national security.

The Ministers discussed the difficulties faced by States in seeking to implement an effective expulsion policy: the need to protect national security and the human rights of those who pose a threat.

The Ministers support the ongoing work between EU and USA on the international legal framework applicable to combating terrorism. The Ministers of Interior intend to make a contribution to that dialogue to ensure that all counter-terrorism efforts are fully taken into account.