Brussels, 14/09/2010 (Agence Europe) - If the common European asylum system is to be in place by 2012, member states and the European Parliament (EP) will have to speed things up in negotiations on the various legislative proposals, Belgian Secretary of State for Immigration Melchior Wathelet said on Tuesday 14 September. “2012 is almost upon us! If we want to remain credible, we don't have any choice. Progress has to be made in three directions: harmonisation of practice, ensuring that the European asylum support office is effective, and harmonising the various laws,” he said at a press conference after the two-day ministerial conference devoted to the quality and effectiveness of asylum policy. The three main issues discussed at the conference referred to vulnerable groups, decision making in the area of asylum, and solidarity, especially with the countries of the South of Europe. The Belgian representative noted, too, that it would not be an easy thing to make progress, since the differences between member states and the institutions were so great. “We need these common standards,” argued European Home Affairs Commissioner Cecilia Malmström. “We are going to have to work very hard and we are awaiting definite proposals from member states and the European Parliament,” she said, referring to the “Procedure” and “Welcome” draft directives, the most sensitive in the asylum package. Bjarte Vandvik, Secretary General of the European Council for Refugees and Exiles (ECRE), regretted that “many member states are dragging things out” and believe that the improvements are too costly and the standards too demanding. (B.C./transl.rt)