Brussels, 24/04/2002 (Agence Europe) - The Justice and home Affairs Council meeting in Luxembourg on 25-26 April will be examining asylum and immigration policy issues, as well as the fight against racism and xenophobia (see EUROPE 20 April pp. 6-7).
1. Draft directive on minimum standards on the reception of asylum seekers in Member States: adopted by the Commission last year (see EUROPE 4 April 2001 page 6). This directive (a detailed document of 28 articles, explained one diplomatic source) constitutes the first draft in the objective of harmonising national legislation on asylum. The initial aim is to set up in the different Member States material conditions for welcoming asylum seekers that would be almost the same, so that asylum seekers don't go to a particular Member State rather than another because of the advantages on offer such as access to the labour market. Most Member States have until now refused to modify their legislation to conform with a European directive, added one diplomat. We are therefore currently faced with a draft directive that lays down a certain number of rights for asylum seekers but which does not reach the objective of a harmonisation of the conditions for reception, explained the same diplomatic source. This source explained that the asylum seeker's access to the job market is not harmonised (some Member States want asylum seekers to have access from the first day of their arrival, others, such as France, after a month). This document does not say anything about allowances to asylum seekers but contains provisions on children's access to school, health care, and benefits to non-accompanied minors. A political agreement is expected on this proposal.
2. Illegal immigration by sea: The Council will adopt conclusions that will reassert the determination of the General Affairs Council of 15 April (see EUROPE 15-16 April page 9) on: obtaining much greater co-ordination between Member States for fighting this problem; raising awareness in countries of emigration - namely Syria, the Lebanon, Algeria, Morocco and Albania - increased vigilance in controlling ports in order to prevent boats transporting illegal immigrants.
3. Fight against racism and xenophobia: On the initiative of France, a declaration was submitted last week, explained a French diplomat. This was supported by Interior Ministers from France, Germany, Spain, Belgium and the United Kingdom to affirm the commitment to fighting against racism and xenophobia. It hopes that the Council will demonstrate its political concern about such acts and show that it is determined to co-operate very closely on related policy. This declaration will be finalised with the addition of a passage condemning all action that could lead to the denigration of Islam or other religions.