Communication of the Commission to the European Parliament and to the Council: Implementing The Hague Programme: the way forward

How can we strengthen the area of freedom, security and justice within the European Union? The Commission’s answer to this question consists of 10 priorities for the next five years.

The multiannual Hague Programme, adopted at the European Council of 4 and 5 November 2004, sets out 10 priorities for the Union with a view to strengthening the area of freedom, security and justice in the next five years. An annex to the communication sets out specific measures and a timetable for their adoption (see also Action Plan).

The Commission feels that efforts should be concentrated on the following 10 priorities:

• Strengthening fundamental rights and citizenship.
• Anti-terrorist measures.
• Defining a balanced approach to migration.
• Developing integrated management of the Union’s external borders.
• Setting up a common asylum procedure .
• Maximising the positive impact of immigration.
• Striking the right balance between privacy and security while sharing information.
• Developing a strategic concept on tackling organised crime.
• A genuine European area of justice.
• Sharing responsibility and solidarity.