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Belgien: Konference: Unlocking the Potential of Migrants in Europe

Centre for Parliamentary Studies inviterer til konferencen 'Unlocking the Potential of Migrants in Europe: From Isolation to Multi-level Integration' i Bruxelles i september

Most EU Member States have experienced increased migration over the last decade with migration from third countries representing approximately 4% of the total EU population (20.1 million citizens). Furthermore, there are European cities and regions with over 20% of immigrants and 40% of persons with a migration background.

The Europe 2020 Strategy and the Stockholm Programme recognise the potential of migration and more effective integration of legal migrants for building a competitive and sustainable economy. Currently, there are wide socio-economic disparities between third-country nationals and EU citizens with immigrants experiencing higher rates of unemployment, over-qualification, low economic achievement, low income and poor health. Much work still needs to be done in order to address these inequalities and as such, there are calls for policies to be directed towards integrating migrants into European society and to combat discrimination that limits their potential.

Employment has a vital role in integrating migrants into society, yet despite the economic crisis many member states are still experiencing labour shortages. Furthermore, of the migrants who are employed, many are in jobs for which they are over-qualified due to the foreign educational credentials and work experience not being recognised.

The renewed European Agenda for the Integration of Third-Country Nationals (2011) outlines how to understand and better support integration. It is necessary to implement a variety of approaches, depending on the differing challenges faced by migrants. The Agenda places an emphasis on migrants’ full participation in society, highlights the key role of local authorities and the involvement of countries of origin to help the integration process.

This timely international symposium provides a vital platform for key stakeholders to disseminate knowledge on the most sustainable and successful integration strategies, which involve both migrants and the host societies at a multi-sector level. Due to the current state of the European economy and potential influx of migrants following the Arab Spring, the need to discuss current integration strategies is essential. The Symposium will discuss the complexities and comparative experiences from within the diverse regions of Europe.

Public Policy Exchange welcomes the participation of all key partners, responsible authorities and stakeholders. The Symposium will support the exchange of ideas and encourage delegates to engage in thought-provoking topical debate.

Delegates will:

Disseminate best practices from various EU regions in relation to the integration of migrants through education, language courses, employment, health care and other sectors
Assess the extent to which the Common European Principles for Integration have been implemented and assisted in formulating integration policies
Explore multidimensional and multi-sectoral strategies to ensure higher rates of employment and economic achievement for immigrants
Discuss policies for encouraging greater cohesion between Member State citizens and immigrants, and combating misconceptions about immigrants to prevent discrimination

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