This is an HTML version of an attachment to the Freedom of Information request 'Policy Dialogues for the Preparation of National Programmes (AMIF and ISF-Borders and Visa)'.



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 


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). 
 
 


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.  
 


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. 
 
 


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.  
 


•  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". 
 


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 
 


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. 
 


•  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). 
 


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. 
 
10 

• 
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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