External borders, visas, asylum and immigration: ARGO action programme 2002-2006

PURPOSE : to amend the ARGO programme and increase the number of actions possible in the area of external borders and envisage new types of action.

LEGISLATIVE ACT : Council Decision 2004/867/EC amending Decision 2002/463/EC adopting an action programme for administrative cooperation in the fields of external borders, visas, asylum and immigration (ARGO programme).

CONTENT : Decision 463/2002/EC is amended in order to provide financial support to national projects in the area of external borders by addressing specific structural weaknesses at strategic border points. The Commission here proposes that these would be identified in agreement with the Member States on the basis of objective criteria (risk assessment). The amended provisions clearly define

the objectives that these projects or actions must pursue.

These actions will not require the active involvement of other Member States, Candidate or Third Countries. However, they will play an important role when defining the criteria for the risk assessment since this is a joint exercise between all Member States and an essential part of an integrated management of the external borders. In addition, the Member States via the Committee will also have a say in the preparation of the annual work programme and selection of this new type of project. Other Member States could also take part as observers in the preparation and/or implementation of these actions.

ENTRY INTO FORCE : 18/12/2004.