Brussels, 08/07/2011 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 7 July, Coreper (Committee of Permanent Representatives to the EU) agreed on the draft asylum qualification directive, which defines the conditions for access to international protection and to the status of refugee. The civil liberties committee at the European Parliament is due to state its position on 12 July. Under this agreement, the definition of “family” has been enlarged, a source states. It does not simply cover married couples and their children (who are still minors) but also any other adult legally responsible for the children. The beneficiaries of alternative protection will, moreover, have their rights enhanced compared to those for refugees, with greater access to the labour market and to education. Some differences remain, however, such as the fact that a refugee can immediately obtain a 3-year residence permit whereas the beneficiary of international protection receives such a permit in several stages (one year, followed by possible 2-year renewal). However, the source adds, in most cases the principle of equal treatment prevails. The draft directive remains one of the least controversial texts of the asylum package. The texts on hosting conditions, procedures and the Dublin 2 regulation are the most difficult to resolve with a view to setting in place the famous common asylum regime by end 2012. (S.P./transl.jl)