Ref. Ares(2013)3249227 - 15/10/2013
EUROPEAN COMMISSION
DIRECTORATE-GENERAL HOME AFFAIRS
MINUTES OF THE POLICY DIALOGUE WITH SPAIN
Home Affairs Multi-annual Financial Framework 2014-2020
5 July 2013
Venue: Ministerio del Interior de España
Calle Amador de los Ríos 7, Salón Imperial
I. OVERALL FUNDING OBJECTIVES / PRIORITIES FOR NATIONAL PROGRAMME
Both Spain and the Commission acknowledged the importance of the Policy Dialogue prior to
the preparation of the national programmes. Based on the Key Issues Paper sent by the
Commission on the 17 May and Spain's comments from the 14 June, which confirmed a broad
agreement between Spain and the Commission, it was recognised that a frank and open
discussion would be extremely useful to jointly identify the priorities for the next multi-annual
financial framework and facilitate the implementation of Spain's national programmes for the
period 2014-2020.
It was agreed that the discussions would be structured around the Annotated Agenda. As
foreseen, the agreed minutes of the meeting would form the basis for the elaboration of Spain's
national programmes respectively for the Asylum and Migration Fund and the Internal Security
Fund.
It was noted that focus of the discussion should be on what Spain wishes to achieve in the areas
of migration and security, having always EU objectives in mind. A strategic approach was
necessary, which takes into account Spain's specific situation and vulnerabilities and the
impact/added-value of the new Home Affairs Funds in addressing such needs. All this pleaded
in favour of focusing on a limited number of priorities/building blocks, with adequate
training/capacity building in those priority areas as a cross-cutting element of such strategic
approach.
This will require multiannual planning of investment and improved implementation, including
the adoption of common indicators, which will need to be addressed in the architecture of the
management and control system.
ASYLUM AND MIGRATION FUND
1.
Common European Asylum System
Acknowledging the measures Spain has taken in recent years to improve its asylum system and
comply with the EU
acquis, it was agreed that Spain will develop a strategy that identifies clear
priorities and the results to be achieved over the 7 years period.
It was agreed that the increase of asylum requests in the first half of 2013 underlined the
importance of improving Spain's reception capacities and asylum procedures, and establishing
a contingency planning and monitoring system to better identify and address possible
shortcomings. As regards resettlement and relocation activities, there was agreement on their
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necessity, with Spain noting that its legislation foresees an annual resettlement quota. Support
to the above-mentioned areas should be a priority for AMF funding.
1.1
Insufficient planning and adaptability in terms of reception capacity, including in case
of massive influx
It was agreed that AMF funding would focus on the development of Spain's reception
capacities, adoption of a national contingency planning and setting up of a system of
monitoring of the standards and capacity.
Desired outcome:
• Adoption of a national contingency planning for possible influx of large number of asylum
seekers.
• Further development of system of monitoring of the standards and capacity, for better and
constantly updated information on the possible gaps and possible necessary adaptation to
current or future constraints.
• Setting up of a flexible reception system, easily adaptable to situations of emergency or
sudden arrivals.
• Adequate reception conditions ensured to all asylum applicants, including under
admissibility and Dublin procedures, with special attention to vulnerable groups.
Funding priorities:
• Improved access to social and medical services and financial assistance.
• Improvement of capacities for data collection, statistics, indicators, risk and impact
assessment and evaluation of the national asylum system.
• Training of staff, in particular in relation to vulnerable persons.
• Provision of legal assistance, translation and interpretation.
• Improvement of reception infrastructures and capacities, including at the airports and in
Ceuta and Melilla.
1.2
Quality of asylum decision making process / procedures
Spain and Commission agree that the improvement of its asylum procedures, with special
attention to vulnerable groups, the establishment of systems for regular evaluation of those
procedures, planning for training, as
well as quality monitoring and contingency planning
should be priorities for funding under the AMF
Desired outcome:
• Improvement of the quality and speed of the asylum decision-making.
• Improvement of the information system, data collection and analyses, thus allowing the
continuous monitoring and evaluation of the asylum procedures and assistance provided to
asylum seekers.
• Continuous improvement of the training, as well as contingency planning, namely to ensure
Spain has sufficient qualified staff in case of significant influx of refugees/asylum seekers.
• Adequate identification and assistance to vulnerable groups, including unaccompanied
minors and victims of human trafficking, notably through the provision of specific services
(e.g. psychological assistance).
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Funding priorities:
• Strengthening of capacities of competent services to process asylum requests in full
compliance with EU
acquis, including
provision of legal assistance, translation and
interpretation.
• Identification of vulnerable people and their needs.
• Setting up of efficient contingency planning and an evaluation system based on an
appropriate methodology.
• Setting up of a training plan for all the actors (local, regional, central authorities) involved
in the asylum process, including assessment of asylum requests at border crossing points
and/or reception/detention centres.
• Training of staff, including case handlers, in particular in relation to vulnerable persons.
1.3
Support for voluntary actions related to resettlement/relocation
It was agreed that the development of the EU Resettlement Programme is a priority and Spain
would continue to invest in this resettlement programme. As regards relocation, the need to
continue to show solidarity with countries facing disproportionate pressure was also
acknowledged.
Desired outcome:
• Stronger commitment from Spain to participate in EU resettlement schemes with adequate
resettlement conditions and significant increase in number of persons resettled in the
country.
Funding priorities:
• Setting up structures and systems providing capacity to implement resettlement
programmes, including as regards identification, selection, interviewing, and adequate
assistance.
2.
Legal Migration and Integration
Spain and Commission agreed on the need to give priority to assistance to unaccompanied
minors. While acknowledging the good results Spain achieved through its integration policy, it
was also agreed that more efforts should be made to ensure good cooperation between local,
regional and national administrations and find synergies with other funding sources, notably the
European Social Fund as regards access to the labour market. The possibility of using AMF
funding to assist persons crossing Spain when travelling for holidays in their countries of origin
(
Operación Paso del Estrecho) was also discussed.
2.1
Assistance to unaccompanied minors
It was agreed that assistance to unaccompanied minors should be a priority in Spain's future
AMF national programme. Attention should also to be paid to cases of "badly accompanied
minors" (minors accompanied by the wrong people who use them for their own benefit).
Desired outcome:
• General improvement of protection and assistance to unaccompanied minors, including
reception conditions, as well as measures regarding legal guardianship, age assessment and
family tracing.
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Funding priorities:
• Assistance to unaccompanied minors in all its components (legislative, institutional,
operational).
• Measures ensuring appropriate care conditions in minors' centres, improve conditions of
education and integration, age assessment, family tracing, legal guardianship, as well as
actions preparing for the moment minors reach 18, to avoid irregularity.
• Inter-institutional cooperation between the regional authorities, the Minors' Prosecutor
Office, and the central administration authorities.
2.2
Improvement of integration measures
Spain and Commission agree that integration of third countries nationals, including asylum
seekers and beneficiaries of international protection, should remain a priority under AMF, in
accordance with the European Agenda for Integration and based on Spain's national integration
strategy. It was agreed that Spain would look at also articulating the local, regional and national
aspects of this strategy. While acknowledging the possibility of using AMF funding as a
complement, it was agreed that the normal source of EU funding to support measures directly
supporting labour market integration (including vocational training) should rather be structural
funds such as the European Social Fund. It was also agreed that for the management of the
funds the different implementing modalities allowed by the applicable legislation should be
fully exploited, so that those funds can be used in the most efficient and effective manner.
Desired outcome:
• Better integration of third-country nationals, including beneficiaries of international
protection.
• Strengthened regional and local approaches and sustainable cooperation between relevant
authorities and organisations, including cooperation between competent public bodies,
NGOs and other actors.
• Reduce the gap between third-country nationals' unemployment and EU nationals'
unemployment and increase smooth integration of women which are third country nationals
into Spanish social context.
• Better awareness of the general public, local authorities, and migrants themselves, of
integration issues, including integration of asylum seekers and beneficiaries of international
protection.
Funding priorities:
• Basic assistance and services for third country nationals such as language and civic
orientation courses, pre-departure integration measures, education and housing, medical and
psychological assistance, social counselling, including awareness against gender-based
violence and sexual exploitation.
• Retraining courses, information on job and study opportunities, information on recognition
of qualifications and diplomas, adult basic skills and literacy courses.
• Specific measures targeting vulnerable persons like women and unaccompanied minors, as
well as asylum seekers and beneficiaries of international protection.
• Training of staff, including case handlers, in particular in relation to vulnerable persons,
• Development and implementation of a communications' strategy to raise the awareness,
especially at local level, on integration issues, including of asylum seekers and beneficiaries
of international protection.
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2.3
Assistance to regular immigrants in the EU when crossing Spain for summer holidays in
their countries of origin - Operación Paso del Estrecho
Spain raised the issue of using Home Affairs funds to assist around 2.5 million Maghreb
immigrants legally residing in the EU who each year cross Spain during the summer period
when travelling for holidays in their countries of origin (
Operación Paso del Estrecho,
consisting in a series of measures including increased number of ferry crossings, health
assistance, information, security, resting areas, first aid & emergency care, etc.) It was agreed
that more information was necessary (presentation of "business case") to assess to what extent
AMF or ISF funds could be used to fund activities of such operation. Although there was some
connection with migratory flows, a comprehensive view of the operation was necessary to be
able to assess the relevance and eligibility of such actions, namely to what extent not only third
country nationals but also EU nationals benefitted from such operation, and how such activities
could be linked with other integration measures and structures, including migrants' associations,
and border management activities supported via ISF-Borders. Consideration should also be
given to the possibility of using other EU funds (e.g. Structural Funds), which might also be
adequate to support such operation. It was agreed that Spain will submit, along with the
proposal of the draft national programmes, the necessary detailed information and
documentation explaining or justifying the scope of the actions regarding the "Operation Paso
del Estrecho" to be financed by the Home Affairs funds (FAM or ISF).
3. Return
Policy
3.1
Effective return policy – Strengthening of voluntary return, enhancement of an efficient
forced return monitoring system, improvement of conditions in the centres
It was agreed that Spain would further improve conditions in the Centres for the Controlled
Stay of Foreigners (CECE), as well as in the temporary reception centres (CETI), and make an
increased use of voluntary return, including reintegration measures in the countries of origin.
Such voluntary return may include persons who wish to return even though they are under no
obligation to leave the territory. As regards actions in third countries, both sides agree that
reintegration projects and actions strengthening third countries' capacities to implement EU
readmission agreements are extremely important to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of
EU Return policy. Synergies between the national programmes and Union Actions,
implemented through direct management, as well as with other EU funding sources such as
external aid instruments - which are the main source of funding of activities in third countries -
should be sought, in order to strengthen the return policy in its different components. Activities
supported through those funds would be complemented by those supported through Home
Affairs funds aiming at fighting irregular migration and increasing border security. In this
context, it was also agreed that frameworks for cooperation such as the recently signed Mobility
Partnership with Morocco and future Readmission and Visa Facilitation agreements should be
fully used. The importance of ensuring an EU dimension in such actions in third countries was
also acknowledged. There was also agreement on the need to reinforce the forced return
monitoring system established under the supervision of Spain's Ombudsman, as such
mechanism is crucial to ensure compliance with EU
acquis.
Desired outcome:
• Improvement of living conditions in the Centres for the Controlled Stay of Foreigners
(CECE), as well as temporary reception centres (CETI), in full conformity with Return
Directive.
• Strengthening of voluntary return, including reintegration measures in the countries of
origin, namely in the framework of Mobility Partnerships with third countries.
• Provision of information on the programmes and conditions of return.
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• Improvement of conditions of forced return and implementation of a comprehensive and
efficient forced return monitoring system.
• Enhancing cooperation with third countries as a key element in the fight against irregular
migration.
Funding priorities:
• Improvement of accommodation infrastructures and services and of administrative
structures, as well as safety conditions in the Centres for the Controlled Stay of Foreigners
(CECE) and temporary reception centres (CETI), including services adapted to the needs of
vulnerable persons.
• Assisted voluntary return and reintegration actions/programmes, including joint return and
reintegration projects with other EU Member States.
• Capacity building and training of staff, both in the EU and third countries.
• Information on the programmes and conditions of return.
• Measures aiming at improving the conditions of forced return and at reinforcing the forced
return monitoring system.
• Measures in or in relation to third countries aiming at increasing the effectiveness of the
fight against irregular migration.
INTERNAL SECURITY FUND - POLICE COOPERATION, PREVENTION AND COMBATING CRIME,
AND CRISIS MANAGEMENT
1.
Internal security
It was agreed that Spain will develop a strategy that identifies clear priorities and the results to
be achieved over the 7 years period. Such approach will be consistent with Spain's national
strategy and the EU Internal Security Strategy and structured around a number of
clusters/building blocks such as Drug Trafficking, Fight against Terrorism, with particular
focus on anti-radicalisation, or Fight against Cyber-crime. Priority should be given to those
areas where EU funds have a particular impact and added value. In addition, cross-cutting
activities such as training and information exchange will also be included.
Though there is a substantial budget, the funds are also limited and the goals need to be focused
and reasonable. Depending on the individual goal to be reached, it is important that the most
appropriate vehicle is used: either the national programme, Union Actions or other EU financial
instruments.
This is particularly important in the context of a substantial shift from a project approach (as it
is the case under the ISEC/CIPS programmes) towards a programming approach implying a
planning for a 7 years period.
The following 6 potential key issues/areas were identified and discussed:
1.1 Drug
trafficking
Spain and Commission agree that fight against drug trafficking should be one of the priorities
of Spain's national programme for ISF. It was also agreed that cooperation with third countries
in this area was extremely relevant, and that it was important to identify the most adequate
implementing modalities to cater for needs and priorities in this area: in this context, actions
stemming from the support to the Bogota Platform could be considered either under the national
programme framework or as Union Actions, to ensure that they fit into a EU wide approach
with involvement of several EU Member States and are integrated with other EU initiatives in
other regions (e.g. West Africa), as different components of a "knowledge hub".
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Desired outcome:
• Increased number of seizures, prosecutions and convictions.
• Strengthening of the detection capabilities of drug trafficking by land, sea and air.
• Enhanced cooperation and increased number of joint investigations with other EU Member
States and EU agencies, with increased flow of information to Europol.
Funding priorities:
• Reinforcement of investigation capacities of law enforcement units, including establishment
of multi-disciplinary groups, risk assessment, development of witness protection
programmes, detection of new forms and techniques of drug trafficking, including through
internet and social media, and asset investigation.
• Reinforcement of the measures focused on the detection of drug trafficking by land, sea and
air, including ports and airports, and in particular the expansion of the border surveillance
systems to the maritime coastline.
• Exchange of information and joint investigation schemes with other EU Member States or
third countries.
• Training, workshops/seminars, capacity building.
1.2
Radicalisation towards terrorism and violent extremism
Spain and Commission agree that the fight against terrorism is a key priority and that further
measures are needed to strengthen the national capability, develop national infrastructures and
train experts dealing with counter-terrorism, in particular on anti-radicalisation. Issues such as
protection of victims of terrorism, exchange of information on terrorism threats and acts,
protection of critical infrastructure, fight against cybercrime or trafficking in small arms should
also be components of a comprehensive counter-terrorism strategy, with ISF funding for those
activities obeying to such a strategic approach. Cooperation with third countries in this area
was recognised as extremely relevant for the security of the EU and its citizens, and in this
context the possibility of implementing Union Actions in third countries, in line with EU
security strategy for the Sahel, Horn of Africa and other regions, should be fully exploited. In
this context, the possibility of ISF funds supporting joint EU training activities was also
positively considered.
Desired outcome:
• Increased know-how to prevent, recognise and tackle the phenomenon of radicalisation.
• Establishment and strengthening of partnerships and platforms for knowledge and exchange
of experience between practitioners, based on the experience of the Radicalisation
Awareness Network (RAN).
• Support to initiatives challenging terrorist propaganda, including initiatives by victims of
terrorism and their associations.
• Better protection of victims of terrorism.
• Better prevention and response capacity to crises related to terrorism at national and EU
level.
Funding priorities:
• Prevention of the radicalization, in particular through: a) exchange of experiences and best
practices in the identification and assessment of radicalisation factors; b) development of
common methodologies to all Members States for the early detection of radicalisation
processes; c) development of regular national field studies to identify and monitor sources
of radicalisation; d)training to reach people on the ground; e) connecting people on the
ground through platforms to share information; f) countering terrorist propaganda through
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education and awareness raising campaigns; g) development of specific programs for
disengagement and de-radicalisation.
• Measures promoting investigating and countering terrorism, as well as training of
specialists, including for instance support to Special Forces´ training centres.
• Development of infrastructure to interconnect centres for crisis coordination, while meeting
the security requirements needed to share sensitive or classified information.
• Monitoring of terrorist websites, with due regard for the balance between the need for
detection and applicable rights and freedoms.
• Assistance to victims of terrorism, in particular legal aid, psychological, medical and
financial support, as well as support to their associations, to improve their capabilities as
regards anti-radicalisation measures.
1.3
Insufficient involvement in further development of the information exchange systems:
SCEPYLT and EWS
It was agreed that, the development of exchange information mechanisms should be a priority
in the ISF. Together with other transversal issues like protection of critical infrastructure (
see
below), such activities should constitute one of the building blocks of Spain's overall strategy
for the ISF-Police.
Desired outcome:
• Further development of SCEPYLT and EWS and continuation of active participation in
these and other exchange information systems.
Funding priorities:
• Further development of SCEPYLT and EWS systems.
• Training on the use of the EWS and SCEPYLT systems.
• Strengthening the capacities of police forces by equipping them with state-of-the-art
equipment TEDAX and CBRN, provide training/capacity building on use of such
techniques.
• Cooperation with other EU Member States to foster more active use of existing systems.
1.4
Participation of Spain in the fight against serious and organised crime (EU policy
cycle)
It has been acknowledged that Spain has substantially increased its participation in the Policy
Cycle, being directly concerned by all nine priority of the 2013-2017 Policy Cycle, of which it
is the driver in two priority areas (cocaine and heroin trafficking, and firearms) and the co-
driver in another two (illegal immigration and cyber-attacks which is a sub-category of the
cyber-crime priority area). Spain and Commission agree that activities related to such Policy
Cycle should be a priority under ISF.
Desired outcome:
• Stronger engagement of Spain in the Policy Cycle 2013-2017.
Funding priorities:
• Reinforcement of national infrastructures for data collection and analysis concerning
international organised crime, as well as their transmission to Europol.
• Development of new technologies, establishment of special investigation multi-
disciplinary teams, support to joint investigation teams and measures aiming at reinforcing
the forensic analysis process.
• Training on fight against THB, improvement of procedures and skills for identification and
assistance to victims of human trafficking.
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• Development of witness protection programmes.
• Protection of payment systems, money transfers, training on asset recovery.
• Connection of the communications room with other Member States' for emergency, crisis,
major events.
1.5
Improve capabilities in the fight against cyber-crime at national level and contribute to
improvement at EU level
It is agreed that fight against cyber-crime is a priority under ISF. This key issue should be
addressed in line with Spain's national strategy and actions will be prioritised and aligned with
the EU Cyber-security Strategy. Considering their relevance for the fight against organised
crime in the EU and Spain in particular, it was also agreed to support, preferably under Union
Actions, actions of cooperation with third countries in the area of cyber-crime, notably through
cooperation with intelligence services from Neighbourhood countries and South America,
including training and capacity building actions.
Desired outcome:
• Enhanced resilience of network and information security systems.
• In line with the European Cyber-security Strategy, improved capacities to prevent,
investigate and combat cyber-crime especially payment card and online fraud as well as
cyber-attacks and child sexual exploitation on-line.
• Improved exchange of information and cooperation between the different communities
involved (including the public sector, private companies, CERTs, law enforcement and
academia).
• Active participation and contribution to the European Cyber-crime Centre at Europol
(EC3).
Funding priorities:
• Actions supporting Spain's active participation and contribution to the European Cyber-
crime Centre at Europol (EC3).
• Upgrade equipment to improve Network and Information Security and modernise
technological infrastructure, especially search engines. Increase capacity of analysis of
massive information (big data).
• Increase presence and patrolling of internet, tackle especially payment card, online fraud
and child abuse on internet.
• Training for competent authorities in particular law enforcement authorities and judges.
• Setting up, in the law enforcement corps (CNP and Guardia Civil), of a liaison centre in
charge of exchanging technical and operational needs with the appropriate cyber security
coordination centre.
• Support CNP cooperation with INTERPOL and EUROPOL.
• Raise awareness of general public on cyber-crime.
• Establishment of a CSIRT (Computer Security Incidents Response Team) in the Guardia
Civil.
• Improvement of national coordination between relevant stakeholders on cyber-security.
1.6
Strengthening of administrative and operational capacity to protect critical
infrastructure in all economy sectors
Spain and the Commission acknowledged the importance of critical infrastructure protection
and compliance with EU
acquis in this area. It was also agreed that a more transversal approach
should be pursued, covering new sectors and designating different types of European Critical
Infrastructure (ECI).
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Desired outcome:
• Ensuring adequate protection of critical infrastructure.
• Ensuring adequate implementation of the national legislation on the protection of critical
infrastructures.
• Further designation of relevant European Critical Infrastructure (ECI).
Funding priorities:
• Costs related to the designation of European Critical Infrastructure (ECI)
• Coordination and exchange of experiences at national, EU and international level.
• Development of planning tools, training plans, tests, awareness raising activities, risk and
threat assessments.
• Modernisation of equipment and software, as well as development of information and
communication systems.
INTERNAL SECURITY FUND - EXTERNAL BORDERS AND VISA
It was agreed that Spain will develop a strategy that identifies clear priorities and the results to
be achieved over the 7 years period also in the areas of border management and Schengen
governance.
Spain and the Commission agreed on the importance of supporting actions in or in relation with
third countries also in the area of border management and surveillance, whether through the
national programme or Union Actions.
The following potential key issues/areas were identified and discussed:
1.
Border management and Schengen governance
1.1
Use of modern technology at the border
Spain and Commission agree that support for the use of modern technology at the border,
notably automated border control (ABC) gates for EU citizens crossing the external border,
should be a priority for the Internal Security Fund. Spain will continue to invest in the
modernisation of the management of its border crossing points, according to the concept of
integrated border management, not only by improving the existing ABC systems but also
expanding them to other international airports and external sea borders, with the possibility of
extending such systems to Spain's land borders in Ceuta and Melilla also being duly
considered. Investments will also be made in the development of other systems which can also
be used for the future Registered Travellers Programme (RTP) or the Advanced Passenger
Information (API). Spain will continue to invest also in the reinforcement and modernization of
the border surveillance systems outside the authorised border crossing points, in particular as
regards maritime borders.
Desired outcome:
•
Enhanced use of interoperable modern technologies in line with European standards such
as
ABC gates for EU citizens, which can also be used for the future Registered Traveller
Programme (RTP).
•
Extensive use of ABC at the air, sea and land borders.
Funding priorities:
•
Actions to expand the implementation of ABC systems at other busy airports, at the
external sea border crossing points (BCP) and if possible also at land borders.
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•
Other modern technologies used for border control (e.g. mobile fingerprint readers, facial
recognition systems, equipment for EES/RTP), as well as expansion of Advanced
Passenger Information System (API) to other border crossing points.
•
Reinforcement and modernization of the border surveillance systems outside the
authorised border crossing points.
•
Other actions improving conditions at the BCPs and modernising their equipment to make
them compatible with Schengen standards, including sensors, maintenance of equipment in
ships and planes, or purchase of mobile equipment to conduct inspections at borders.
•
Specialized training for border guards, according to the principle of integrated border
management.
1.2
Development of EUROSUR and Implementation of Schengen acquis
Spain and Commission broadly agree that support to the development of EUROSUR should be
a priority under Internal Security Fund. There was agreement also on the need to strengthen
cooperation with third countries in this area, both through Union Actions and under Spain's
national programme, in particular as regards the Seahorse Network and in the context of the
recently signed Mobility Partnership with Morocco and ongoing Migration and Security
Dialogues with other Southern Mediterranean countries.
Desired outcome:
•
Further enhancing real-time exchange and cooperation of National Coordination Centre
(NCC) with other authorities (e.g. Police, Customs), e.g. by seconding liaison officers to
NCC.
•
Establishment of analysis layer of national situational picture (NSP).
Funding priorities:
•
Enhance information sharing capabilities with EUROSUR, e.g. by interconnecting
national systems with EUROSUR
•
Upgrade of the NCC and existing Regional Coordination Centres (Algeciras and
Valencia).
•
Establishment of a third Regional Coordination Centre (Cantábrico/Biscay).
•
Interconnection of surveillance and information systems of Spain, Portugal and France.
•
Integration of current and future capabilities of the national border surveillance system
(SIVE) into the NCC and the EUROSUR network.
•
Upgrade of the Seahorse networks for the Atlantic and Mediterranean regions.
•
Purchase equipment to participate in FRONTEX lead joint operations, including purchase
and maintenance of light aircrafts and vessels (possible specific action).
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2. Information
Systems
Spain and Commission agree that support to VIS, SIS and consular cooperation mechanisms
constitute one of the main priorities of ISF.
2.1
Implementation of Visa Information System (VIS) and increasing the “consular
coverage” in Schengen visa issuance
It is agreed that Spain will continue investments in this area. Spain will consider the possibility
of increasing consular cooperation with other EU Member-States in view of further exploiting,
in close consultation with the Commission, the concept of "Schengen Houses" in third
countries.
Desired outcome:
•
Full implementation of VIS including VISMAIL available and in operation.
•
VIS roll-out in consulates from the third and last set of regions.
•
Efficient operations and customer-friendly service to visa applicants.
Funding priorities:
•
Maintenance and upgrading of national VIS, including VISMAIL.
•
Investments in infrastructure, buildings, equipment (including mobile equipment to collect
biometric identifiers), including opening and refurbishment of consulates, adaptation of
new offices to VIS, acquisition of security equipment or expansion of the existing and
adapting areas to security requirements.
•
Actions supporting operations, maintenance and evolution of the National Systems.
•
Training (including distance learning costs) and staffing.
•
Consular cooperation mechanisms with other Member States as regards the lodging of
applications and issuing of visas at consulates.
2.2
Implementation of Schengen Information System II, including development of backup
capability
Spain agrees to continue investments in this area.
Desired outcome:
•
SIS II available and in operation.
•
SIS II disposing of a full disaster recovery/business continuity plan which includes
elements such as: full national system redundancy on identified key
components/processes, with a stand-by arrangement guaranteeing industry standards,
continuity of service, as well as a further fall-back plan, with mechanisms to switch to
queries in central SIS II when national queries are no longer available from the national
site.
•
SIS II accompanied by the security measures ensuring the protection and the integrity of
the stored data.
Funding priorities:
•
Maintain and upgrade of national SIS II and establish an alternative centre (back-up).
•
Implementation of disaster recovery / business continuity plan.
•
Protection of the SIS II national systems (both physical and against hacking).
•
Further development of SIRENE workflow and endowment the SIRENE offices with the
new system SIS II.
•
Develop Spain's national VIS system to adapt it to the needs and changes required by SIS.
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•
Adapt the capacity of the communications network in the consular offices to the
requirements of SIS II.
II. OTHER ISSUES
Intentions for Specific Actions under the AMF and ISF-borders
Several of the Specific Actions under the AMF and ISF-Borders are of potential interest to
Spain, in particular:
• Joint return operations, including joint actions on implementation of Union readmission
agreements (AMF 3.1);
•
Joint reintegration projects in the countries of origin with a view to sustainable return, as
well as joint actions to strengthen third countries' capacities to implement Union
readmission agreements (AMF 3.1).
•
Setting up consular cooperation mechanisms between at least two Member States resulting
in economies of scale as regards the lodging of applications and the issuing of visas at
consulates in accordance with the principles on co-operation laid down in the Visa Code,
including common visa application centres (ISF 3.1).
•
Purchase of equipment which are deemed necessary for the running of joint operations by
the FRONTEX Agency.
Union actions (direct management) / EU Agencies
The Commission recalled the possibilities and additional funding available under Union
Actions and invited Spain to provide input for possible actions with an EU dimension. It was
agreed that a strategic approach was necessary to ensure good coordination with other actions.
It was noted that it would be important to avoid duplication and ensure good coordination with
Union Actions, EU Agencies activities and actions supported through other EU funding sources
such as the external aid instruments.
Implementation of the national programme
The Commission recalled the need for a multiannual strategy, identifying clear priorities to be
addressed through the Home Affairs Funds and grouping actions in clusters (building blocks) to
avoid fragmentation. A well-functioning management and control system, adapted to the new
requirements of the future Funds, will also have to be put in place and full coherence will need
to be ensured with funding from other EU financial instruments, in particular the European
Structural and Investment Funds and, as far as actions in third countries are concerned, the EU
external aid funds.
Spain will reflect on the financial envelopes to be allocated to the various priorities and to
define adequate common and programme-specific indicators to measure progress.
It was agreed that Spain's draft national programmes for both Home Affairs Funds should be
submitted to the European Commission by mid-November 2013.
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