WRITTEN QUESTION E-0031/03

by Charles Tannock (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(21 January 2003)

Subject: Financial assistance to Belarus and the Ukraine as part of an effort to limit illegal migration flows through those countries to the European Union

Large numbers of illegal migrants are currently detained on the territories of Belarus and the Ukraine, having attempted to use those countries as a gateway to the European Union.

It is clearly in the interest of the European Union, political differences notwithstanding, to cooperate with these countries in order to stabilise and subsequently reduce the flow of illegal immigrants passing through their territories. What plans are there for the European Union to provide additional financial and technical assistance designed to achieve this objective? In particular, there have been requests from the governments for funds to improve surveillance and monitoring of their Eastern border areas with the Russian Federation, to pay for temporary housing of these migrants in detention camps and to pay for the cost of eventual repatriation to their countries of origin. From 1 May 2004, these two neighbouring states are set to share large common borders with the EU and the Schengen area.

Does the Commission accept that these migratory flows constitute a major burden to the national budgets of these two states which, if not checked, could result in a major additional flow of illegal migrants to the EU and that there is, therefore, a strong common interest in assisting these countries in their efforts to solve their problems in this area?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(28 February 2003)

The Commission is well aware of the problem caused by illegal migration flows through Ukraine and Belarus. The Commission already supports Ukraine and Belarus in their efforts to cope with the problem.

The Union has developed a comprehensive Action Plan on Justice and Home Affairs with Ukraine. The implementation of this Action Plan receives support through TACIS assistance with a budget of approximately EUR 45 million in the period 2001-2003. Approximately one third of these funds are used in the fight against illegal migration. This also includes support to improvements at Ukraine's Eastern border. Further assistance is envisaged for the period 2004-2006, including support for detention camps.

The Commission received a mandate from the Council to negotiate a Community readmission agreement with Ukraine (June 2002). The first negotiating round took place in Kiev on 18 November 2002.

The Commission is of the opinion that Belarus could do more to strengthen its border management. Due to lack of effort by Belarus on its border with Latvia and Lithuania, TACIS funds have been used for demarcation. A Belarus and Russia have agreed not to establish border ports and proper supervision on their common border, illegal immigrants easily enter Belarus and then continue into Union territory.

Projects to strengthen asylum management valued at EUR 5 million for the period 2000-2003 are being implemented and about EUR 20 million has been allocated for border infrastructure at the western borders.

Given the open border to Russia and the lack of normal relations with Belarus, the perspectives of increasing funding are limited. In any event this would only contribute to solving the problem of migratory flows at Belarus western border.

Burden sharing will be taken into consideration in the co-operation agreement with Ukraine.