Annex

For the objectives (a), (b) and (c) listed in Article 3 of Decision No 574/2007/EC, the strategic guidelines set out below are to be seen in the context of the implementation of the European policy for the external borders management^f1 as designed in the Hague Programme^f2. The guidelines shall in particular give effect to the priorities of the Community with a view to the further gradual establishment of the common integrated border management system for external borders and the strengthening of controls and surveillance of the external borders of the Member States.

For the objective (d) of Article 3 of Decision No 574/2007/EC, the guidelines shall in particular give effect to the priorities of the Community with a view to the further development of the common visa policy as, on the one hand, part of a multi-layered system aimed at tackling illegal immigration by enhancing handling practices at local consular missions on the one hand and facilitating legitimate travel on the other.

The support for the implementation of the Special Transit Scheme referred to in Article 6 of Decision No 574/2007/EC shall be established in the framework of the multi-annual programme of the Republic of Lithuania in accordance with these guidelines.

Member States should determine the most effective distribution of the financial resources allocated to them in accordance with their needs. However, when preparing their draft multi-annual programmes for 2007 to 2013, Member States should allocate the available Community resources under this Fund to at least three of the five priorities listed below.

The specific priorities listed below refer to national actions which either add to the value of common instruments and tools for practitioners or have a direct impact on the capacity of other Member States or the Community as a whole to secure the external borders.

Moreover, when drafting their multi-annual programmes, Member States are invited to take into account the synergies with the work undertaken by the Frontex Agency on the control and surveillance of external borders.