17 July 2015

The recast Reception Conditions Directive was adopted on 26 June 2013 by the European Parliament and the Council as part of the recast instruments forming the Common European Asylum System. It lays down standards for the reception of asylum seekers. The Directive binds all EU Member States except Denmark, Ireland and the United Kingdom. However, its provisions relating to standards on the detention of asylum seekers subject to the Dublin Regulation apply to all EU countries and associated states applying the Regulation. 

This Information Note provides a detailed examination of the key provisions in the recast Reception Conditions Directive, which involve, among others: a legal framework regulating the detention of asylum seekers, including those subject to transfer procedures under the Dublin Regulation; more protective rules on access to the labour market; and standards on the level and modalities of material reception conditions to be provided by Member States. Throughout this Note, ECRE makes recommendations to Member States for an appropriate interpretation of the provisions of the Directive, in line with international refugee and human rights law, the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights and the Court of Justice of the European Union. Best practices on the implementation of reception standards in Member States are also highlighted as helpful guidance. 

Member States bound by the recast Reception Conditions Directive are required to bring their legislation in line with its standards by 20 July 2015. 

 

This article originally appeared in the ECRE Weekly Bulletin of 17 July 2015. You can subscribe to the Weekly Bulletin here.