News

Social Platform and the Commission, DG Home Affairs, are organizing a hearing on the future of migration and asylum in Europe. The event will take place on December 03, 2013, from 09.00 – 15.30 at the Renaissance Hotel, Rue du Parnasse 19, Brussels.

Xenophobia and racism are  increasing in Europe and the spread of hate and anti-immigration discourses in the political parties and movements have become normalised.  Migrants face a strongly negative climate and proposals to restrict immigration flows have been supported in several countries.

The economic crisis has further contributed to hostility towards third country nationals, regardless of their legal or illegal status. Shrinking economic opportunities and high unemployment increases migrants risk of ending up in poverty and increases the need to combat and prevent discrimination, racism, administrative barriers and social exclusion; which hinder migrants from accessing the labour market and essential goods and social services.

‘A Europe that protects’ is commonly referred to in terms of protection against outside threats – such as terrorism, corruption and organized crime. Far more rarely do decision-makers refer to the need for a Europe that protects its founding values of human dignity, respect for human rights, pluralism, non-discrimination, solidarity and equality.

The European Commission and Social Platform will bring together relevant stakeholders for a consultation on the challenges and opportunities for migration and asylum in Europe. The conclusions of the hearing will feed into the European Commission’s reflection on a new agenda for Home Affairs to be presented in March 2014.

 For more information please view the full programme, or contact us, online registration is available here.