L 252/12 Official Journal of the European Communities 6.10.2000 (Acts whose publication is not obligatory) COUNCIL COUNCIL DECISION of 28 September 2000 establishing a European Refugee Fund (2000/596/EC) THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 63(2)(b) thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the Commission ('), Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament (%), Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee (%), Having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions (%), Whereas: (1)  The preparation of a common policy on asylum, including common European arrangements for asylum is a constituent part of the European Union's objective of gradually creating an area of freedom, security and justice open to those who, forced by circumstances, legitimately seek protection in the European Union. 20  Implementation of such a policy should be based on solidarity between Member States and requires the exis- tence of mechanisms intended to promote a balance in the efforts made by Member States in receiving and bearing the consequences of receiving refugees and displaced persons. To that end, a European Refugee Fund should be established. (3) It is necessary to support the efforts made by the Member States to grant appropriate reception conditions to refugees and displaced persons, including fair and effective asylum procedures, so as to protect the rights of persons requiring international protection. () O] C 116 E, 26.4.2000, p. 72. (%) Opinion delivered on 11 April 2000 (not yet published in the Offi- cial Journal). () O] C 168, 16.6.2000, p. 20. (*) Opinion delivered on 15 June 2000 (not yet published in the Offi- cial Journal). (4)  The integration of refugees into the society of the country in which they are established is one of the objectives of the Geneva Convention and, to this end, there should be support for action by the Member States intended to promote their social and economic integra- tion, in so far as it contributes to economic and social cohesion, the maintenance and strengthening of which is one of the Community's fundamental objectives referred to in Articles 2 and 3(1)(k) of the Treaty. (5) It is in the interests of both the Member States and the persons concerned that refugees and displaced persons who are allowed to stay in the territory of the Member States are given the opportunity to provide for them- selves by working. (6)  Since measures supported by the Structural Funds and other Community measures in the field of education and vocational training are not in themselves sufficient to promote such integration, support should be given for special measures to enable refugees and displaced persons to benefit fully from the programmes which are organised. (7)  Practical support is needed to create or improve condi- tions enabling refugees and displaced persons to take an informed decision to leave the territory of the Member States and return home, should they so wish. (8)  Practical ways are to be found of testing innovatory action in this field and exchanges between Member States should be encouraged with a view to identifying and promoting the most effective practices. (9 Account should be taken of the experience acquired during implementation of the Council's joint action 1999/290[JHA (°) on the reception and voluntary repa- triation of refugees, displaced persons and asylum- seekers. () O] L 114, 1.5.1999, p. 2.