European Refugee Fund: period 2005-2010 (Decision 2000/596/EC)
2004/0032(CNS) - 20/04/2004
The European Parliament adopted a resolution drafted by Gérard DEPREZ (EPP-ED, B), making some amendments to the proposal. Parliament decided to cut the fixed annual allocation per Member State from EUR 300 000 to EUR 150 000. It also stated that the second phase of the Fund goes beyond the current Financial Perspective.
A re-assessment of the Fund's financial endowment in view of its compatibility with the new financial framework is therefore required. An amendment was inserted stating that in the context of the budgetary procedure for 2007, the Commission shall indicate, by 1 May 2006 at the latest, whether the indicative amounts for 2007-2010 are compatible with the new financial perspectives. If necessary, and taking account of the real needs established at that time, the Commission shall submit to the budgetary authority a proposal to revise the appropriations to be made available to the Fund.
Parliament provided a more explicit definition of "vulnerable groups" that should be supported, mentioning victims of rape, torture, trafficking and sexual abuse. It also expanded the list of integration support measures to be funded. It stated that the Fund shall not support the forced return of rejected asylum seekers.
Finally, the responsible authority shall call on a national advisory committee to define the objectives and priorities of the Fund and its general strategy. The advisory committee shall be composed of representatives of the government, local authorities, voluntary organisations, social partners, the UNHCR and higher-education institutes.�