Strasbourg, 21/06/2007 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday, MEPs adopted the own initiative report by Herbert Pirker (EPP-ED, Austria) putting forward a series of recommendations to the Council and Commission ahead of the second phase of the European asylum system, which is due to be completed in 2010. The report is critical of the lack of harmonisation in current asylum policies and the obstacles which could hamper swift implementation of the second phase of the system. MEPs say that joint standards established on the basis of the lowest common denominator maintain the differences of treatment between member states and could lead to the perpetuation of “asylum shopping”. They brought forward several proposals. Reception and consideration of requests: they want to see a list of safe countries of origin, to be drawn up under co-decision. They believe, however that this list should not exempt states from obligations deriving from international law, such as the provisions under the Geneva Convention. MEPs also want the obligation to accept asylum seekers be accompanied by the rapid and fair setting up of measures to ensure Community repatriation or the acceptance of those who have been granted refugee status. Community coordination and cooperation: MPs want a fairer sharing of the “burden” borne by member states on the EU's external borders. They also welcomed measures planned by the Commission, including the creation of teams of experts to be sent to the countries which are suffering strong migratory pressure. At the start of June, the Commission presented a Green Paper on the completion of the common EU asylum system (see EUROPE 9440). (bc)