EU aligns reception rules for asylum seekers

Asylum seekers in the EU must be received everywhere in the same, appropriate way.

That is what the EU countries agreed in Brussels. National authorities may request asylum seekers with sufficient financial capacity to contribute to the reception. Minors should be assigned a guardian. The harmonized rules must prevent refugees from seeking a better place to stay in another country.

The draft law therefore also gives Member States the right to restrict asylum seekers in their freedom of movement to a 'geographical zone' or to introduce a notification requirement. If there is a risk of going into hiding, the asylum seeker can be detained.

Member States should also draw up an emergency plan for 'adequate reception' in the event of 'disproportionate' reporting of many asylum applicants.

Member States are now going to negotiate with the EU parliament to put the plans into legislation.

The Dutch Council for Refugees made it known that the plan to restrict the room for asylum of asylum seekers was 'bizarre'. ' That there is talk of a 'geographical zone' where refugees can not go outside, is of great concern to us. Refugees detain practicality when they ask for protection is inhumane. '