(LONDON) - Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero called for greater European unity on immigration and energy to strengthen the bloc's borders and fuel supplies, in an interview Thursday.

Speaking to the Financial Times from Madrid, Zapatero said he wanted Europe to adopt common policies on the two subjects, adding that a common immigration policy could be agreed within "a horizon of four to six years".

"Tough laws will not deter illegal immigrants, but economic development in their countries will," Zapatero told the business daily.

"We have to combat illegal migration more effectively, and the best, the most efficient way to do this is through co-operation with the countries of origin."

He said he wanted a common bloc policy that addressed the security of external supplies.

On nuclear power, Zapatero said Spain would not build additional nuclear power plants, both because of cost and also because Spain did not have enough water to cool reactors.

He added that, on cross-border mergers, not all European countries could "aspire to have national energy champions."

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