The New EU Pact on Migration and Asylum: A Missed Opportunity

After eight long years of negotiations, the European Union has finally reached an agreement on a new framework under the New Pact on Migration and Asylum. However, instead of delivering effective solutions, this newly minted Pact appears to deepen the existing challenges.

Designed to foster a more coordinated and cohesive approach to migration and asylum across the EU, the New Pact ironically neglects the vital role that cities play in this context. Cities are at the frontline of providing essential services and integration policies for migrants, yet their contributions are overlooked.

Integration Takes Place at the Local Level

Integration is fundamentally a local endeavor. Despite the ongoing political maneuvering at the EU level surrounding migration regulation, it is the cities and municipalities that are actively making integration a reality. The New Pact aims to delineate Europe’s responsibilities towards migrants and refugees while establishing a practical framework for action. However, as deputy mayors of Amsterdam and Vilnius, we identify several serious issues that could hinder its effective implementation, potentially leading to adverse outcomes for both migrants and local authorities.

Legal Migration: An Economic Necessity

Europe has been grappling with a multitude of crises in recent years, which have exacerbated existing inequalities and fueled the rise of populism. This climate has resulted in heightened hostilities, increased alienation, and a troubling disregard for vulnerable groups, including migrants and refugees.

While touted as “a set of new rules managing migration and establishing a common asylum system at the EU level that delivers results while remaining grounded in our European values,” the New Pact primarily reinforces the narrative that migration is a threat that must be controlled. By emphasizing border security, stringent screening processes, and externalizing asylum procedures through agreements with non-EU countries, the Pact frames migration as a security risk rather than a humanitarian concern.

Alarmingly, the New Pact overlooks the fundamental principle that all individuals, regardless of their origin or reasons for migrating to the EU, deserve fair, dignified, and humane treatment. Although international law grants migrants the right to seek asylum in any EU member state, the Pact’s focus on establishing processing centers at EU borders undermines this right. Despite promises of “independent monitoring,” there is no assurance that individuals detained in these “border-centres” will receive the legal assistance they are entitled to.

Recognizing legal migration is not merely a policy choice; it is an economic imperative for Europe’s future. The EU must conduct a candid self-assessment regarding the selective openness it maintains.

Furthermore, the screening regulations governing the intake and processing of individuals at the border fail to distinguish between regular migrants and vulnerable groups such as unaccompanied minors. This oversight could result in inadequate protection and support for those in need, potentially leading to the unjust detention of minors during the processing of their applications. Such severe measures could exacerbate the trauma often experienced by migrants and drive more individuals to take perilous alternate routes, resulting in increased numbers of undocumented migrants in cities across Europe.

Moreover, the New Pact largely perpetuates the problematic Dublin system, failing to address the lack of political solidarity among member states regarding a fair distribution of refugees across the Union. Europe is currently facing demographic shifts and a declining workforce. With decreasing birth rates and an aging population, the demand for workers in various sectors, particularly healthcare and technology, is soaring.

By streamlining legal migration pathways rather than fortifying borders, Europe can attract skilled migrants eager to contribute. This approach not only addresses immediate labor shortages but also enriches European societies with diverse talents and perspectives, ensuring long-term economic growth and social cohesion.

Local Authorities: The Key to Effective Integration

The EU professes a desire to learn from successful integration policies, yet the New Pact fails to acknowledge the critical role of local authorities in this process, which have repeatedly demonstrated resilience in addressing today’s geopolitical challenges. Approximately 75% of Europe’s population resides in urban areas, where integration directly occurs. However, the Pact introduces numerous risks for cities. Increased responsibilities to accept refugees may strain local resources and services, especially in the absence of adequate EU funding for integration programs.

The Pact’s focus on border management rather than long-term integration overlooks the pressing need for skilled labor. Effective integration policies, executed at the local level, are essential for ensuring that refugees and migrants can become productive members of their new communities.

Cities like ours recognize the unique needs of those fleeing conflict and political oppression and possess extensive experience in integrating newcomers, offering everything from language courses to labor market integration initiatives.

Investing in Sustainable Integration

Investing in sustainable integration yields long-term benefits, supporting refugees and migrants in becoming contributing citizens of their host countries and local communities. Amsterdam, historically known for its welcoming approach to refugees, has implemented successful programs to assist migrants in finding employment through collaborations with employers and personalized guidance.

Similarly, Vilnius has showcased the effectiveness of local authorities in the face of migration challenges. In response to the EU-Belarus border crisis and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the city has partnered with various NGOs to support refugees. It established the Psychotraumatology Centre for those fleeing war, staffed by Ukrainian professionals, while another initiative, International House Vilnius, has aided refugees in settling into the city.

Europe’s Future Lies Within Its Cities

Cities, with their hands-on experience, are crucial for making integration successful. Therefore, as deputy mayors, we firmly believe that incorporating local authorities into policymaking must be a top priority moving forward with the new EU mandate.

The New EU Pact on Migration and Asylum may aspire to create a unified approach to migration, but it fails to adequately address immediate needs and uphold human rights. By sidelining cities and concentrating on border management, the Pact misses the opportunity for sustainable long-term integration.

To effectively tackle migration, the EU must harness the experience and expertise of cities, ensuring fair treatment and robust support for all migrants. A brighter future for Europe begins in its cities.

Simona Bieliūnė is the Deputy Mayor of Vilnius, and Rutger Groot Wassink is the Deputy Mayor of Amsterdam.

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