Terrorism, Borders and Migration: The Commission's 2008 Policy Strategy in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice. CEPS Policy Brief, No. 131, 1 June 2007

[From the Introduction]. Early in 2007, the European Commission published its Annual Policy Strategy for 2008 in which it presents the Commission’s proposals for key initiatives to be taken forward in the next year.1 The Commission’s document highlights its priority actions for 2008 and assesses financial and human resource implications. Along with the four strategic objectives of prosperity, solidarity, security and freedom, and a stronger Europe in the world, the Commission identifies three cross-cutting priorities: tackling climate change, pressing ahead with the Lisbon Strategy and managing migration flows to the EU. On the basis of this more general document, later in the year the Commission will present its concise Legislative and Work Programme for 2008. Given the long-term impact that the document thus will have, especially in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice in the EU (AFSJ), we consider it necessary to address some of the implications inherent in the articulated priorities and envisaged key actions. This Policy Brief is based on the contribution that the Justice and Home Affairs Unit of CEPS has submitted as written evidence to the inquiry of the European Union Select Committee of the UK House of Lords into the European Commission's Annual Policy Strategy for 2008. The paper addresses two main areas covered by the Policy Strategy which are intrinsically related to our work in the AFSJ: 1. "Fighting Organised Crime and Terrorism"; and 2. "Freedom of Movement and Managing the EU's External Borders"