Proposal for a Regulation establishing a mechanism for the creation of Rapid Border Intervention Teams and amending Council Regulation (EC) No 2007/2004 as regards that mechanism (COM (2006) 401 final)

While the Standing Committee agrees with the Commission that guarding the EU’s external borders is a common responsibility for the EU Member States, the Committee is worried about current practices employed by a number of Member States regarding pre-border checks and the processing
of illegal immigrants intercepted at sea. These practices include the categorical refusal of entry into EU territory of third-country nationals, without granting access to a determination procedure or the possibility to
lodge an appeal against the refusal of entry. As outlined in the Comment, such practices run counter to international law and principles of Community law. The Standing Committee is worried that the adoption of the proposed regulation will result in EU mandated teams of border guards being engaged in these practices.