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The 25 opt for a common asylum policy

(B2 archives *) Meeting at a summit in Brussels, the Heads of State and Government decided to harmonize their internal policies, particularly in terms of asylum and the fight against illegal immigration, but also family law.

Creating a base for security and justice in Europe is not, at first glance, obvious. These policies are so pegged to the body of state power. And yet it is one of the areas where Europe has made the most progress in the last five years, since the Tampere summit in 1999.

Asylum by qualified majority

On the conditions of residence of asylum seekers, on family reunification, on the arrest warrant… there is now a minimum European standard. The 25 Heads of State and Government, meeting yesterday in Brussels, decided to move up a gear. By making a small concession to their powers. All decisions relating to asylum and border control will now be decided by qualified majority, that is to say without the possibility for a State to veto. This from 1er next April.

Unanimity rule retained for legal immigration

Legal immigration – with the delicate question of quotas – remains however subject to the rule of unanimity. A German claim - the reception of immigrants, particularly at the social level, being partly the responsibility of the Länder - which also satisfies the French people who fear having to deal with a policy of quotas, of which several Member States are supporters. This setback is coupled with a great democratic advance. The European deputies, until now simply consulted, will therefore now have their say. The long-term objective is to provide the continent with a common policy for refugees, with a uniform procedure for recognizing the right to asylum, while strengthening the fight against illegal immigration.

A European border control agency

The 25 want to put in place an "effective policy of repatriation" of illegal immigrants. The European Border Control Agency should come into being on 1er next May. As for the idea of ​​a body of European border guards, it is still in the air.

The extended Schengen area in 2007

The Heads of State and Government also set the objective for 2007 of extending the Shengen system to the new Member States and abolishing passport checks.

Joint consular offices

Outside Europe, consulates could work together more, common offices responsible for issuing visas could be created in the long term. A sacred saving for the foreign affairs budgets, seriously put to the test.

Harmonized family law

The Union has also decided to move towards common family law. Thus, between now and 2011, the settlement of cross-border disputes relating to the obligation of maintenance, matrimonial regime or divorce should be facilitated. A very useful harmonization for many European citizens struggling with insoluble problems...

Nicolas Gros-Verheyde)

(*) Article published in a first version in Ouest-France

Nicolas Gros Verheyde

Chief editor of the B2 site. Graduated in European law from the University of Paris I Pantheon Sorbonne and listener to the 65th session of the IHEDN (Institut des Hautes Etudes de la Défense Nationale. Journalist since 1989, founded B2 - Bruxelles2 in 2008. EU/NATO correspondent in Brussels for Sud-Ouest (previously West-France and France-Soir).

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