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EU Regulation in case of
mass influx of Refugees
Amsterdam, July 31, 2001.
On July 20, 2001 the EU Commission adopted a Directive regulating and setting the norms for temporary protection of refugees in the event of a mass influx of displaced people into the European Union.
The Commission wants to be able, by this Directive, to act quickly in a Kosovo like situation.
The Justice and Home Affairs Commissioner Vitorino welcomes this Directive: "It is the first in a series of initiatives with a humanitarian concern."
The Directive is triggered by the Council of Ministers, voting by qualified majority, after a Commission proposal.
This decision will give at the same time access to financial resources of the European Refugee Fund (ERF).
Temporary Protection
The temporary protection in case of a mass influx does not prejudge recognition of refugee status. It does provide for access to the normal asylum procedures.
Refugees under this scheme will be given:
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residence permits,
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appropriate information,
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the right to work,
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accommodation,
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social assistance,
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health care,
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education,
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reuniting with close family.
Common European Asylum System
This Directive is the first instrument in the harmonisation process that will constitute a Common European Asylum System as was agreed upon at the Tampere summit.
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