Illegal immigration into Spain is being cut thanks to strengthening border controls, developing the Sistema Integral de Vigilancia Exterior (SIVE - Total External Vigilance System) - and stepping up collaboration with third countries like Morocco. In 2006, the Spanish Ministry of the Interior will complete the implementation of SIVE in Almeria and Lanzarote, launch it in Gran Canaria and Huelva, and extend it in Cadiz.

2005 saw the smallest number of immigrants arriving in pateras (small boats) since 1999: 11.797 immigrants landed illegally on the Spanish coast, 24.7% less than in 2004, when the figure was 15.675.

The mafia organisations involved are now securing alternative routes, such as via the Canaries. Even greater collaboration on the part of the European institutions is required in view of the heavy daily pressure on Spain.

Could the Council provide information on the Action Plan of the Rabat EU-Africa Conference, which will for the first time bring together the migration route countries of destination, transit and origin?