10/12/2015 – Europe needs a truly common European asylum system with harmonised procedures throughout Europe. In the current complex situation, Europe needs to secure its borders in a European rather than a national effort while at the same time assisting asylum seekers outside the EU. Moreover, it has to put in place an effective immigration policy which is transparent, clearly outlining who will have a chance to immigrate and welcoming those newcomers by supporting their start in the respective EU Member State.
These are some of many proposals the European Economic and Social Committee has included in four opinions* on improving migration policy in Europe, which were adopted at the 512th plenary session on 10 December and which should feed into the European Agenda on Migration. The EESC also adopted a Resolution on Refugees calling for the development of immediate measures to address the root causes of the current refugee flow and for the development of safe humanitarian corridors for refugees from countries affected by wars. It also called for a special focus on the integration and inclusion of migrants into society and the labour market.
EC Vice-President Frans Timmermans referred to Member States: “We need responsible leadership in the nations and we have to deal with differences in society, that’s my call to EU leaders.”
Read more on EESC website http://www.eesc.europa.eu/?i=portal.en.press-releases.37792
