European integration is rooted in common values
From its very beginning, European integration has been firmly rooted in a shared commitment to freedom based on human rights, democratic institutions and the rule of law. These common values have proved necessary for securing peace and developing prosperity in the European Union. They will also serve as a cornerstone for enlarging the Union.
Ensuring freedom of movement and residence throughout the EU
The European Union has already put in place for its citizens the major ingredients of a shared area of prosperity and peace: a single market, economic and monetary union, and the capacity to take on global political and economic challenges. The challenge is now to ensure that freedom, which includes the right to move freely throughout the Union, can be enjoyed in conditions of security and justice accessible to all. It is a project which responds to the frequently expressed concerns of citizens and has a direct bearing on their daily life.
For all residents
This freedom should not, however, be regarded as the exclusive preserve of the Unions own citizens. Its very existence acts as a draw to many others worldwide who cannot enjoy the freedom Union citizens take for granted. It would be in contradiction with Europes traditions to deny such freedom to those whose circumstances lead them justifiably to seek access to our territory. This in turn requires the Union to develop common policies on asylum and immigration, while taking into account the need for a consistent control of external borders to stop illegal immigration and to combat those who organise it and commit related international crimes. These common policies must be based on principles which are both clear to our own citizens and also offer guarantees to those who seek protection in or access to the European Union.
Integration of third-country nationals
Integration of third-country nationals is an important factor in ensuring the full benefits from immigration. It has become a priority area for the EU and a common framework for integration is being developed following a distinctive European approach.
Ensuring all EU citizens have the same access to justice throughout the EU
The enjoyment of freedom requires a genuine area of justice, where people can approach courts and authorities in any Member State as easily as in their own. Criminals must find no way of exploiting differences in the judicial systems of Member States. Judgments and decisions should be respected and enforced throughout the Union, while safeguarding the basic legal certainty of people and economic operators. Better compatibility and more convergence between the legal systems of Member States must be achieved.
Protecting EU citizens against crime
People have the right to expect the Union to address the threat to their freedom and legal rights posed by serious crime. To counter these threats, a common effort is needed to prevent and fight crime and criminal organisations throughout the Union. The joint mobilisation of police and judicial resources is needed to guarantee that there is no hiding place for criminals or the proceeds of crime within the Union.
Involving civil society
The area of freedom, security and justice should be based on the principles of transparency and democratic control. The EU must develop an open dialogue with civil society on the aims and principles of this area in order to strengthen citizens acceptance and support. In order to maintain confidence in authorities, common standards on the integrity of authorities should be developed.
Cooperating with third countries and international organisations
The European Council considers it essential that in these areas the Union should also develop a capacity to act and be regarded as a significant partner on the international scene. This requires close cooperation with partner countries and international organisations, in particular the Council of Europe, OSCE, OECD and the United Nations.
Source european communities
http://ec.europa.eu/
From its very beginning, European integration has been firmly rooted in a shared commitment to freedom based on human rights, democratic institutions and the rule of law. These common values have proved necessary for securing peace and developing prosperity in the European Union. They will also serve as a cornerstone for enlarging the Union.
Ensuring freedom of movement and residence throughout the EU
The European Union has already put in place for its citizens the major ingredients of a shared area of prosperity and peace: a single market, economic and monetary union, and the capacity to take on global political and economic challenges. The challenge is now to ensure that freedom, which includes the right to move freely throughout the Union, can be enjoyed in conditions of security and justice accessible to all. It is a project which responds to the frequently expressed concerns of citizens and has a direct bearing on their daily life.
For all residents
This freedom should not, however, be regarded as the exclusive preserve of the Unions own citizens. Its very existence acts as a draw to many others worldwide who cannot enjoy the freedom Union citizens take for granted. It would be in contradiction with Europes traditions to deny such freedom to those whose circumstances lead them justifiably to seek access to our territory. This in turn requires the Union to develop common policies on asylum and immigration, while taking into account the need for a consistent control of external borders to stop illegal immigration and to combat those who organise it and commit related international crimes. These common policies must be based on principles which are both clear to our own citizens and also offer guarantees to those who seek protection in or access to the European Union.
Integration of third-country nationals
Integration of third-country nationals is an important factor in ensuring the full benefits from immigration. It has become a priority area for the EU and a common framework for integration is being developed following a distinctive European approach.
Ensuring all EU citizens have the same access to justice throughout the EU
The enjoyment of freedom requires a genuine area of justice, where people can approach courts and authorities in any Member State as easily as in their own. Criminals must find no way of exploiting differences in the judicial systems of Member States. Judgments and decisions should be respected and enforced throughout the Union, while safeguarding the basic legal certainty of people and economic operators. Better compatibility and more convergence between the legal systems of Member States must be achieved.
Protecting EU citizens against crime
People have the right to expect the Union to address the threat to their freedom and legal rights posed by serious crime. To counter these threats, a common effort is needed to prevent and fight crime and criminal organisations throughout the Union. The joint mobilisation of police and judicial resources is needed to guarantee that there is no hiding place for criminals or the proceeds of crime within the Union.
Involving civil society
The area of freedom, security and justice should be based on the principles of transparency and democratic control. The EU must develop an open dialogue with civil society on the aims and principles of this area in order to strengthen citizens acceptance and support. In order to maintain confidence in authorities, common standards on the integrity of authorities should be developed.
Cooperating with third countries and international organisations
The European Council considers it essential that in these areas the Union should also develop a capacity to act and be regarded as a significant partner on the international scene. This requires close cooperation with partner countries and international organisations, in particular the Council of Europe, OSCE, OECD and the United Nations.
Source european communities
http://ec.europa.eu/
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