European Union (EU) States are committed to increasing cooperation on cross-border issues, such as asylum, migration, border control, organised crime and terrorism. As part of the European Commission, Directorate-General (DG) Migration and Home Affairs prepares EU-level rules in these policy areas and watches over their application. The DG is also responsible for funding related projects in EU States as well as the projects financed under the Europe for Citizens programme. Led by Matthias Ruete, they are approximately 300 staff members working to create an open and safe Europe.
They work to develop a balanced and comprehensive EU migration policy, based on solidarity and responsibility, which - in line with the Europe 2020 strategy - will make an important contribution to the Union's economic development and performance in the longer term. The aim is to create an EU-wide set of rules for legal migration, while taking into account the interconnection between migration and integration. They also aim to address irregular migration and trafficking in human beings. At the same time, they work to set up a Common European Asylum System, based on solidarity and respect for fundamental rights, to ensure effective protection for the people who need it.
They help build a safer Europe by fighting terrorism and organised crime, by promoting police cooperation and by preparing to swiftly respond to emerging crises. The actions in these areas include stricter rules against illicit trafficking of firearms and on trafficking in human beings, as well as revision of legislation on combating child sexual abuse, sexual exploitation and child pornography. The fight against terrorism and the Internal Security Strategy, will continue to be cornerstones of the efforts to make Europe more secure by strengthening cooperation on law enforcement, border management, civil protection and disaster management.
In all these areas, they promote dialogue and cooperation with non-EU countries so that they can work in partnership and jointly tackle common challenges. The external action contributes to the strengthening of the Union's position as a reliable, active and pragmatic global player, while ensuring the effectiveness of policies.
To cater for EU interests, whether concerning migration management or security, financial instruments must be at the level of the Union's ambitions. Sound and effective management of these instruments is an essential component of the Migration and Home Affairs policy. They also manage EU financing instruments that support concrete actions in the field of home affairs.
