Brussels, 27/09/2001 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday, the Fifteen began a political debate (and not only a technical debate as one spokesperson stressed) on the basis of a document from the Belgian Presidency on the proposal of directive relating to family reunification. From the very start, Commissioner Antonio Vitorino put the question of whether we "want the right to family reunification to be considered as an instrument to facilitate the integration of foreigners living in the EU legally, or as just a statistical instrument". No significant breakthrough allowing an agreement to be reached was noted during the debate on Thursday. The Presidency therefore reserved itself the right to present a new proposal of compromise to Coreper with a view to the JHA Council on 6/7 December. The debate that day focused on questions regarding the scope of the right to family reunification for minors (age, conditions) and for unmarried couples (where the conception of the northern countries and the Netherlands, which assimilate them to married couples, was opposed to that of other States who want proof that their relationship is lasting and does not open the way to abuse as was the case of phoney marriages in the past). The delegations generally stressed the need to better define conditions for integrating into the host country persons who benefit from family reunification conditions. A very real problem has come about on this with Germany, explained a spokesperson. German legislation on immigration is being revised and there is no majority in government on the matter. Pending a new legislation, Germany cannot therefore bring its position into line, concluded the spokesperson. Interior Minister Otto Schilly pointed out that his countries did not wish that, under the cover of family regrouping, there should be larger numbers of immigrants in Germany (8,000 persons arrive in Germany each year, noted the minister). He drew attention to the financial consequences for social security that these situations engender.