Immigration: liaison officers network

The Council heard a progress report on the negotiations concerning revised rules of the immigration liaison officers (ILO) network. The ILO network was established in 2004 as a cooperation tool for the management of migration flows and of the EU's external borders.

Amendments to regulation (EC) No 377/2004 are mainly intended to make the use of the network more efficient by providing a legal basis for cooperation between Frontex and the ILO networks, promote the use of an internal IT tool for regular exchange of information and practical experience, highlight the possibility of using the External Borders Fund for the creation and smooth operation of ILO networks, and rationalise the reporting system relating to the activities of the ILO network.