Mr President, as we all know, this Commission proposal concerning the asylum policy forms part of a whole package of proposals. The approach which the Commission has adopted across the board is largely balanced and realistic. My group therefore expresses the hope that the Council and Parliament will summon up the political courage to follow the tenor of this initiative. We should not be thrown off balance by cheap gossip spread by demagogues who seek to make political capital out of the fear of foreigners. A European fortress, a large fence around Europe and, in practice, preventing people from seeking asylum are not only undesirable but also unrealistic. Human rights violations and other disasters, together with the unfair distribution of prosperity across the globe are the actual backdrops to the asylum and migration issues, and they are not eliminated by such measures. A minimalist asylum policy is a form of social dumping. Instead, we should translate the principles of solidarity, equal opportunities, naturalisation and integration into a practical policy. This is why my group calls for particular attention to be paid to the following four points which would improve the substance of the proposal. First of all, the provisions should not be confined to persons who apply for asylum on the basis of the Refugee Convention. As has been mentioned here before, a proposal has been submitted in Parliament too concerning the recognition and status of refugees and of persons who require protection in other ways. It would therefore make little sense, to say the least, if a restriction were imposed on this proposal. Maybe we should revisit the underlying logic, but this is impossible, of course. Social protection is therefore included. My second point concerns education. It is great for children who have been snatched from their familiar surroundings to find respite and a fixed daily routine quickly, and education can help in this. At the same time, they also learn the language and settle in. This is why the wholeheartedly supports the amendments which provide for prompt access to schools and for the observance of the compulsory education requirement. Thirdly, it is important for asylum seekers to be able to enter the labour market as quickly as possible. This enhances their own sense of self-worth and independence and provides them with a useful way of spending their days. It also helps them settle in quickly, and we therefore back the proposals as they are now before us. Fourthly, I should like to draw attention to the anti-discrimination proposals, especially Article 29. This is of major importance. Day-to-day practice shows that a good relationship between the local communities and the reception centres is important for the purpose of eliminating racism and xenophobia. Finally, I should like to point out that it is important for the Netherlands too that the reception facilities are not taken away from those who refer to Dublin, and I hope that this Council proposal will also convince the Dutch Government of this. All that remains for me to do is to thank Mr Hernández Mollar for his commitment and willingness to enter into consultation, and I regret that we were unable to reach agreement. We may get another chance.

Political group: PSE