Press Release: Setting up of European Asylum Support Office proposed by the Commission

On 18 February, 2009, the Commission adopted a proposal for a Regulation to establish a European Asylum Support Office. This proposal is presented under the Pact on Immigration and Asylum in response to a request by the European Council. What is proposed is the speedy establishment of an operational agency to coordinate and step up cooperation on asylum between Member States, so helping to harmonise different national practices. The Office will also help to align existing asylum rules in the EU.