State of play regarding the Procedures Directive

9.12.2010

Question for oral answer O-0210/2010
to the Council
Rule 115
Hélène Flautre
on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

The Commission report to Parliament and the Council on implementation of the Directive of 1 December 2005 on minimum standards on procedures for granting and withdrawing refugee status in Member States (COM(2010)0465) was presented on 8 September 2010.

The report clearly shows the disparities between Member States’ asylum procedures, and this in itself confirms the urgent need for a recast of the 2005 directive (No 2005/85/EC).

At the same time, some Member States have indicated their concerns in relation to a harmonised approach, and this has led to a total freezing of discussions and negotiations on the report, undermining the very goal of establishing a common asylum system in the EU by 2012.

During meetings involving the rapporteur, the shadow rapporteurs and the Commission it has been recognised that substantial information from a significant number of Member States involved in implementation of the 2005 directive is missing. This is making it difficult for the Commission to assist the Council in resolving outstanding issues blocking the negotiations.

Could the Council outline the outstanding issues involved in reaching a common position on the Procedures Directive, including the arguments of the various Member States, with a view to relaunching the negotiations on this crucial aspect of the asylum package and meeting our target date?

Tabled: 9.12.2010

Forwarded: 13.12.2010

Deadline for reply: 20.12.2010