News > EMI calls for more solidarity in Common Asylum Policy

EMI calls for more solidarity in Common Asylum Policy

EMI CALLS FOR MORE SOLIDARITY IN ASYLUM LEGISLATION
June 12, 2013
Brussels – The European Movement International (EMI) welcomes the changes to the Common European Asylum System passed today by the European Parliament, giving asylum seekers extended rights. Nevertheless the EMI believes there is still not enough solidarity between Member States.
The handling of asylum seekers is not seen as what it is: A genuinely European problem. Member States on the periphery will still have to carry the burden for the whole Union.
Jo Leinen, President of the European Movement International (EMI), said:
"A chance was missed to finally introduce a fairer system, allocating the refugees to the Member States most capable of handling them. Both asylum seekers and the EU would benefit from a truly European asylum policy."
Giving asylum seekers increased rights, including a set decision deadline, a personal interview, and better information dissemination should lower the amount of asylum seekers waiting in limbo. However, the grounds for detention are so broadly defined that detention of asylum seekers risks becoming the norm instead of the exception, the EMI pointed out.
President Leinen concluded saying: "Asylum seekers have escaped horrible and often life-threatening situations; they come to Europe looking for security and peace and don’t deserve to be treated like criminals."
[ENDS]
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Editor’s Note: The European Movement International (EMI) is one of the largest pan and pro-European civil society organisation with currently more than 70 Member Organisations, bringing together representatives from European associations, political parties, enterprises and trade unions.