Brussels
The E.U. created a rapid-reaction force this week to protect its southern borders against illegal immigrants. Last year, more than 31,000 bedraggled refugees reached Spanish territory, most coming from Africa crammed into tiny boats. Thousands each year drown before reaching their destination. Spain, Italy, Portugal, and Malta have been pleading with the E.U. to help them police their borders. The new border guard teams will be drawn from a pool of 450 agents from all 27 E.U. countries. “It is the best ever example of European solidarity,” said E.U. Home Affairs Commissioner Franco Frattini.
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