Refugee camps may be set up outside EU borders to process asylum seekers
Under the plan, a series of transit camps would be established in countries bordering the EU. Anybody seeking asylum in the Union would be detained in the camps while their claims were under investigation.
Those successful in seeking asylum would then continue on to whatever EU country they were destined for. Others would be returned home.
The plan is being pushed by four countries in particular Britain, Holland, Denmark and Austria with Ireland supporting pilot projects to try out the idea.
Sweden is strongly opposed to it, voicing its concerns at a meeting of justice ministers in Luxembourg yesterday. A number of human rights organisations also have reservations.
A spokesperson said a series of legal issues have still to be investigated. The commission has been asked for its opinion and a report will be presented to the member state leaders' summit in Thessalonica in two weeks' time.
The proposal to set up pilot projects has the backing of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, which has lessened Irish and other member states' fears.
The EU would have to get agreement from countries outside its border to allow such camps to be set up on their territory. There are fears they could turn out similar to Sangatte, the camp in France that attracts refugees trying to get into Britain.
The management and funding of the camps would also have to be addressed. An EU diplomat said: "It could help address the problem of having a legal way into the EU for refugees, but on the other hand it could act like a magnet attracting people from all over the world. A lot of details will need investigation."
The proposal also involves the establishment of refugee areas in conflict regions, where people could feel safe and where applications for refugee status could be processed, if necessary.
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