The need for European migration policy to understand better the role and experience of cities and regions in integration as well as to support their effort in combating radicalisation were the main issues raised by EPP-CoR members during a plenary debate with Ylva Johansson, European Commissioner for Home Affairs. The debate took place on the occasion of the signing of a partnership between the European Committee of the Regions and the European Commission on migrants’ integration.
Ylva Johansson said that migration is something we can handle if Europe works together. "LRAs are essential to handle migration. Different regions in Europe are facing different migration realities. It is in cities and regions where people build new homes, go to school and find new jobs. So you are essential for the success of the New Pact on Migration and Asylum." She spoke on the importance of the partnership with the CoR and the role of cities, towns and regions in terms of integration.
Ricardo Rio, Mayor of Braga said "Opening our territories to migrants is an added value to the development of our communities, adding cultural diversity and enriching the talent supply to the economic growth. But the crucial word is integration. Any new approach to the management of migration in Europe, including the New Pact on Migration, starts with improving our integration capacities." On sharing of good practices, Rio said that his city, Braga, is already a member to the 'Cities and Regions for Integration of Migrants initiative' and has shared the Municipal plan for integration of migrants on European level. "This plan seeks to promote inclusion and social cohesion for all third country national who wish to make Braga their home. We have a lot more to learn and share with your support" he concluded.
Agnès Rampal, Vice President of the Métropole Nice-Côte d’Azur and Vice Mayor of Nice spoke about security and the need to engage LRAs in European decisions on the topic. She said that LRAs have been severely affected by terrorist acts over the years and stressed that certain action plans engaging LRAs will be necessary to combat these threats.
Mark Speich, Secretary of State for Federal, European and International Affairs for the Land of North Rhine-Westphalia and CIVEX chair said “Many European regions have been facing considerable challenges for years. These regions need and expect solidarity from the European Union. As members of the CoR, we will contribute to reach a political consensus on a new European migration and asylum policy. I am convinced a new migration and asylum policy will only find broad acceptance all over Europe if the experiences and perspectives of European regions and cities are taken into consideration.”
