No government can tackle problems like terrorism, organised crime and illegal immigration alone. In an increasingly borderless world, European governments are using EU co-operation to better manage immigration, asylum, border controls and crime.

These 'justice and home affairs' (JHA) issues account for nearly 40 per cent of new laws emerging from Brussels. JHA co-operation can make the EU more popular, by showing voters that pan-European activity can help make them safer. But this must be done while maintaining the necessary balance between being tough on crime and respect for fundamental rights and the rule of law.

JHA co-operation remains one of the least understood areas of EU activity. The CER looks at how JHA co-operation works and how it can be improved to enhance the security of EU citizens and protect their freedoms. Our JHA programme focuses on EU efforts to face up to terrorism, crime and illegal immigration and to facilitate skilled migration.