The majority of European Union (EU) member states have satisfactorily transposed legislation laying down minimum standards for the reception of asylum seekers, said the European Commission on Monday.
An evaluation of the 2003 legislation shows that member states have not lowered their previous standards of reception of asylum seekers, contrary to fears previously raised upon adoption of the legislation, said the commission, the executive body of the EU.
Only three member states decreased in a given area the reception conditions they provide, while as many as 12 member states raised their standards compared to the rules in place before the adoption of the legislation, often referred to as the Reception Conditions Directive.
Information on the rights and obligations of asylum seekers are generally duly provided to them. However, the timely delivery of appropriate documentation and adequate location and capacity of reception centers remains a challenge in many member states, said the commission.
The commission report has also shown that the wide discretion allowed by the directive in a number of areas, for example regarding access to employment, level and form of material reception conditions, free movement rights and needs of vulnerable persons, undermines the objective of creating a level playing field in the area.
The results of the evaluation report, along with the conclusions of consultations on a green paper on the future common European asylum system will form the basis of a more harmonized legislative framework relating to reception conditions.
The flagged issues in the evaluation report will be addressed in the new directive.
Source:Xinhua
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