Europe Immigration News

Belgian police held Bassam Naim, Palestinian Youth and Sports Minister, on board his plane 04 May 2007 after the Netherlands withdrew his entry visa for being a senior member of Hamas. The European Union, the United States and Australia all consider Hamas to be a terrorist organization.

The European Union is increasing its diplomatic relations with Switzerland by opening a permanent delegation in the neutral alpine country. The EU has sent a new ambassador, Michael Reiterer, to Bern. His mission is to improve relations between the EU and Switzerland on topics such as immigration, trade, and education.

With an ageing population, a strict immigration policy, and recent migration trends, the Netherlands could be facing some troubles in the future. While immigration into the country is on the rise, more and more people are emigrating from the country.

Almost a month ago the European Union celebrated its 50th anniversary. The Treaty of Rome was signed on 25 March 1957, which established the European Economic Community (EEC) with six member Countries. More Countries joined so creating a larger trading bloc where goods and services could move freely between Countries. This led to significant economic benefits within the EEC.

On Friday, 13 April 2007, the European Union signed visa agreements with Albania, Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The agreement is expected to simplify the cost and procedures for nationals of the three Balkan countries to travel to the EU.

Illegal migrants in a small, crowded boat off the coast of Mauritania attacked a Spanish patrol boat on 04 April 2007. The boat, carrying 57 people including two children, was attempting to make its way to Spain when the Spanish Civil Guard (SCG) boat intercepted them.