The European Parliament adopted a resolution drafted by Jorge HERNANDEZ MOLLAR (EPP-ED, Spain) on minimum standards for the reception of asylum seekers. (Please refer to the document dated 09/04/02.) Parliament felt that the common European asylum system should level up and not level down standards in the EU. It introduced a provision stating that the directive will in no circumstances be used to modify any more favourable provisions existing in the Member States. Further amendments to the text include a provision that access to the education system will be granted as soon as possible and no later than 21 working days after the application has been lodged. Similarly, the Parliament has shortened the time in which Member States must allow access to the labour market from six months after the application has been lodged to four months. In cases where applicants are allowed to stay with family or friends, Member States are not permitted to reduce their allowances in the application of the directive. Minors may not be placed in detention, unless this is justified by exceptional circumstances. �