The Asylum Acquis Handbook is a unique and comprehensive tool for those who have a sincere interest in contributing to a sound, common European asylum policy. Asylum has always been an intensively debated topic, and these days even more so than in the recent past. Virtually everyone has an opinion on the subject and the general consensus is that the European Union should strive for a common asylum policy. Yet, basic information is lacking: while there is talk on an `acquis', talk on `communitarization', the various discussions, so far, miss the firm foundation on which to build the common European asylum house. The Asylum Acquis Handbook seeks to fill this gap and serves as an important reference book with in-depth information on asylum-related topics, including: + an overview of the Acquis + the texts of the various relevant instruments + value-free commentaries + informative contributions, especially written for this Handbook by leading experts, and + additional information and sources. Noteworthy is the Preface with relevant parts of a thought-provoking keynote address, delivered by Antonio Vitorino, EU Commissioner for Justice and Home Affairs, at the 4th Metropolis Conference, Washington DC, December 1999. The Asylum Acquis Handbook enhances accessibility and transparency and will become an important source for policy makers, the executive, the media, students and all others concerned with the issue of asylum. Dr. Peter van Krieken's extensive UNHCR background, his role as special advisor on international affairs with the Netherlands Ministry of Justice/INS and his lecturing in international law and human rights at Webster University, Leiden, the Netherlands, made him the most suitable expert to compile and edit the Asylum Acquis Handbook. Dr. Van Krieken is actively involved in European asylum policy issues under CIREA, Phare assessment missions and related Twinning, Odysseus and Horizontal Programmes. He is also the editor of the book Refugee Law in Context: The Exclusion Clause, which was recently published by T.M.C.Asser Press.