Brussels, 05/07/2016 (Agence Europe) - Without ignoring the many challenges that the migration crisis poses the European Union, the European Parliament sent the clear message to the member states on Tuesday 5 July that they must show greater solidarity each to the other and towards the migrants whose integration can, in addition, be beneficial to all.
In a non-legislative resolution adopted in plenary session in Strasbourg by 486 votes to 189, with 28 abstentions, Parliament is seeking to propose a comprehensive approach towards the social inclusion and integration into the labour market of refugees and asylum seekers. The resolution, drafted by Brando Benifei (S&D, Italy), states that Parliament supports the immediate creation of a permanent resettlement mechanism for all member states.
The integration of migrants is a national responsibility, but the concern of Parliament is that a similar approach be followed in all the member states. Integration procedures should be adapted to the place of reception with the common objective of encouraging real access for refugees and asylum seekers to housing, healthcare, education, social protection and the labour market. Swift integration, by means of efficient recognition of skills, would be of benefit to all, including public budgets, since the migrants would become taxpayers, Parliament notes.
Refugees should be treated, on some points, in the same way as the other EU citizens but, on others, be given special treatment. Parliament is against creating jobs markets purely for refugees, fearing a new form of social dumping, but does support refugees' having specific assistance schemes, which have been provided with new financial means, so as not to engender tensions with local disadvantaged communities. These schemes should fund, for example, general and vocational language training and courses on EU values and fundamental rights. (Original version in French by Jan Kordys)