EU to review migration policy as immigration increases

EU member states that do not protect their external borders effectively against illegal migrants could find themselves temporarily cut off from the Union under proposals from the European Commission.

The plans would see a European system of border guards, a strengthened Frontex — the body charged with co-ordinating members’ controls on the EU’s external borders — and changes to the Schengen mechanism that allows free movement of people between 25 European countries. Ireland and Britain are not members, while Bulgaria and Romania’s membership is pending.

The revised and reinforced migration policy comes amid a myriad of reasons: fear of an influx of migrants from North Africa as a result of the Arab spring revolts; threats by France and Italy to close their borders and as a result of a decision last year by EU leaders to revise the current policy.