European Commission: Towards a Comprehensive EU Approach to the Syrian Crisis

Date: 
Friday, October 4, 2013

The Commission issued a joint communication to the EP, Council, European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions proposing a comprehensive approach in response to the Syrian conflict. The Commission calls on Member States to comply with UNHCR’s request that places be made available for the humanitarian admission of 10,000 Syrian refugees from countries in the Middle East and North Africa and the resettlement of an additional 2,000 Syrian nationals. The Commission also asks Member States to adopt a generous attitude towards granting humanitarian visas to displaced Syrians who have family in the EU and to admit Syrians who arrive at the EU’s external borders. The Commission does not believe it is appropriate to add Syria to the list of countries subject to the airport transit visa requirement requested by some Member States.

 

The Commission also announced that it is establishing a Regional Protection Programme in Syria with a budget of over EUR 13.2 million, with components covering protection, administrative capacity building, and enhancing refugees’ access to socio-economic rights. Additionally, the EC will continue to work with Member States to ensure a greater degree of convergence in the treatment of Syrian asylum seekers and assessment of their asylum claims.

 

Read the full text of the communication on the EU website.


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Tags: 
Lithuania
European Commission