More than a million migrants and refugees arrived in Europe during 2015. This influx has led Europe into an unprecedented crisis, which must be dealt with in a united and coordinated way. Markku Markkula, President of the European Committee of the Regions, therefore called for common actions that are based on strong leadership and innovative visions at the European Migration Forum today. "Regional and local authorities are central players on the topic of migration, given their role in managing emergencies and planning the medium-term policies of integration" he underlined before noting the need for positive messages on migrants and migration in Europe's regions and cities.
According to the CoR President, local and regional leaders bear a strong responsibility in presenting, particularly at times of high unemployment. "Our narrative should be anchored on solid evidence and never cede to populism" he underlined. Turning to sparsely populated regions, he believes that the integration of migrants is essential. "Migrants willing to come to work in Europe could represent a solution, but their integration to our territories, society and culture has to be steered in partnership with local authorities, and never imposed" he said. Lastly, he argued for stronger investment in education and technology across all countries involved in a circular migration process in addition to capacity building.
Opening the Forum, Dimitris Avramopoulos, EU Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship and former EPP/CoR Member, announced that the European Commission will introduce an integration action plan that will especially address challenges in the areas of education and labour markets.
The European Migration Forum, organised by the European Commission and the European Economic and Social Committee, is a platform for dialogue between civil society and the European institutions on issues relating to migration, asylum and the integration of third-country nationals. It aims to enhance coordination and cooperation and inform EU decision-making in the areas of migration, asylum and integration.