Over a quarter of a million refugees sought asylum in the EU in 2008. But not every refugee gets the same welcome, and MEPs seek to ensure equal treatment for these people in all EU countries. They hope offering financial incentives will do the trick.

A common EU doorstep

In 2008, more than 250,000 refugees   sought asylum in the EU.

So that they receive the same treatment   when they arrive in any EU country

MEPs have approved the creation   of a European support office,

to help states to apply common standards   to ensure refugees are treated fairly.

As it stands, 27 different asylum   management systems exist within the EU.

We have to draw up guidelines   to guarantee that all the Member States

like Italy, Spain, Greece, and those   countries that have fewer requests,

pull together to ensure new agreements   on cooperation in the EU.

MEPs also want to give Member States   a financial incentive to accept refugees.

Countries could receive 6000 euros   for the first year of a refugee's stay,

5000 euros for the second year   and 4000 in the following years.

I think that 6000 euros is sufficient   but it is not enough.

There is also the possibility   for improvement

and I would suggest that   various programmes should exist,

also supported by EU funding   in order to help members of the families

by the European Fund for Refugees   for 2008-2013.

These funds will support   refugee integration projects.