EU puts border control, migration policy among 2017 legislative priorities

Migrants are seen in front of Bulgarian police after clashes inside a refugee center in the town of Harmanli, Bulgaria, November 25, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]

BRUSSELS - Border control and migration policy were among the six policy areas, in which proposals should be fast-tracked in legislative process for 2017, according to a statement released by the European Union (EU) on Tuesday.

The legislative priorities were set out in a joint declaration, the first of its kind, which were signed by chiefs of the EU's three main institutions.

It was signed by President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz, Slovak Prime Minister and holder of the rotating Council Presidency Robert Fico, and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker.

"Today's Joint Declaration is a new milestone in the way the EU can deliver better and faster on our common challenges," said Juncker.

"It is the first time in EU history that the three European Institutions have agreed on a limited number of initiatives of major political importance that should be fast-tracked in the legislative process," he added.

By setting up priority areas, the EU aims to better protect the bloc's citizens through measures like the entry-exit system, smart borders and the European travel information authorization system (ETIAS) and the control of firearms.

In light of the migration crisis starting from the autumn of 2015, the EU intends to reform its migration policy.

The EU also plans to address the root causes of migration by enhancing investment and job creation in partner countries.

Moreover, the EU expects to create more jobs, establish a connected digital single market, and deliver on its ambitious climate change policy.