Third-country nationals: removal, mutual assistance in cases of transit. Initiative Italy

This document consists of a note from the Italian presidency to the delegations.It includes an explanatory memorandum which aims to set out the objectives of the draft Directive as well as a series of specific observations concerning the articles contained in the initiative. The purpose of the present Directive is to lay down provisions which, having regard to human rights and fundamental freedoms and other current instruments on asylum and the protection of minors, will reconcile the general interest with the efficient removal of third-country nationals through the territory of one or more Member States. The Italian presidency reinserts its draft Directive in the wider context of asylum and immigration questions and attaches the proposal to the Council Recommendation of 22 December 1995 on concerted action and cooperation in carrying out expulsion measures emphasised the need for effective cooperation in the removal of third-country nationals, particularly by air. It states that the Thessaloniki European Council considered that the implementation of a common policy on the return of illegally residing persons was the responsibility of the Member States, but emphasised that greater efficiency could be achieved by, among other things, reinforcing existing cooperation between the Member States.�