Regulation (EU) No 515/2014 of the European Parliament and of the CouncilShow full title

Article 9 U.K. National programmes

1. The national programme to be prepared, taking into account the outcome of the policy dialogue referred to in Article 13 of Regulation (EU) No 514/2014, under the Instrument and the one to be prepared under Regulation (EU) No 513/2014 shall be proposed to the Commission as one single national programme for the Fund and in accordance with Article 14 of Regulation (EU) No 514/2014.

2. Under the national programmes to be examined and approved by the Commission pursuant to Article 14 of Regulation (EU) No 514/2014, Member States shall, within the objectives referred to in Article 3 of this Regulation and taking into account the outcome of the policy dialogue referred to in Article 13 of Regulation (EU) No 514/2014, pursue in particular objectives from the following:

(a) developing Eurosur in accordance with Union law and guidelines;

(b) supporting and expanding the existing capacity at national level in visa policy and in the management of the external borders, as well as supporting and expanding measures within the area of free movement relating to the management of external borders, bearing in mind in particular, new technology, developments and/or standards in relation to the management of migration flows;

(c) supporting the further development of the management of migration flows by consular and other services of the Member States in third countries, including the setting up of consular cooperation mechanisms with a view to facilitating legitimate travel in accordance with Union law or the law of the Member State concerned and preventing illegal immigration into the Union;

(d) reinforcing integrated border management by testing and introducing new tools, interoperable systems and working methods which aim to enhance information exchange within the Member State or to improve inter-agency cooperation;

(e) developing projects with a view to ensuring a uniform and high level of control of the external border in accordance with common Union standards and aiming at increased interoperability of border management systems between Member States;

(f) supporting actions, after consulting the Frontex Agency, aimed at promoting further harmonisation of border management and in particular technological capabilities, in accordance with common Union standards;

(g) ensuring the correct and uniform application of the Union acquis on border control and visas in response to weaknesses identified at Union level, as shown by results established in the framework of the Schengen evaluation and monitoring mechanism;

(h) building the capacity to face upcoming challenges, including present and future threats and pressures at the external borders, taking into account in particular the analyses carried out by relevant Union agencies.

3. In pursuit of the objectives referred to in paragraph 2, Member States may support actions in, and in relation to, third countries under their national programmes, including through information-sharing and operational cooperation.

4. The Commission shall consult the Frontex Agency on draft national programmes, in particular on the activities financed under the operating support, submitted by the Member States in order to develop complementarity between the mission of the Frontex Agency and the responsibilities of the Member States for the control and surveillance of external borders as well as to ensure consistency and to avoid cost inefficiency.