Debate on the New Pact on Migration and Asylum
Channel: EPPGroup CoR
Date: 2020-12-10

The engagement of cities and region in migration policies, working with third countries and the need to support cities and regions at the borders were the key points raised by EPP-CoR members during a debate on the new pact on migration and asylum with Ylva Johansson, Commissioner for Home Affairs.

Mark Speich, Secretary of State, North Rhine-Westphalia and CIVEX Chair said “We all agree that we need a European solution for migration and asylum policy. It is extremely important that the European Commission seriously includes the perspective of the European regions and cities in its proposal for the New Pact on Migration and Asylum in order to find broad acceptance for this solution within Europe.” Speich added that Europe is required to assist countries at the forefront of the migration challenge and uphold the concept of solidarity. He added that clear rules were needed to address smuggling and ensure a functioning return policy.  The CIVEX Chair concluded that he was looking forward to hear more about the proposal saying that this is a historic chance to reach a long overdue consensus to address  migration challenges.

Franck Proust, President of Nîmes Métropole spoke on the need to work on the consequences of migration and to make a difference between political migrants and economic migrants. he called for more dialogue with third countries “If we want to be efficient we need to work hand in hand with third countries, dialogue and conclude a pact with Africa and work on demographic data to limit migration.”

Anna Magyar, Member of Csongrád Megye Council said that there are migrants fleeing from their homeland who need help and solidarity according to the Geneva convention. She added that illegal migrants trying to enter at the border have to observe Schengen border declarations.  “We need to strictly protect our borders” she stated. Magyar concluded that whereas there was the need for a new workforce in some countries, this should not be dealt through EU migration affairs and must remain am issue of national competence.

Ádám Karácsony, Member of Tahitótfalu Council said it is a wrong consideration to say that migration has to be quick and smooth when instead it has to be legal and secured. Karácsony spoke about the demographic challenges. “We are indeed an aging society in Europe and we need a labour force but this is something that should be decided on a national level. Very often there are not enough children being born. We should not only encourage migration but also childbearing in Europe by supporting families.”