Brussels, 28/03/2002 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission must take the initiative and prepare a comprehensive framework programme for the social integration of immigrants and refugees, as well as encouraging the other institutions to strengthen their integration policies at all levels. Such is the nature of the own-initiative opinions on Immigration, integration and the role of civil society organisations by the European Economic and Social Committee during its March plenary session (rapporteur: Luis Miguel Pariza Castanos, Workers Group, Spain; co-rapporteur: Vitor Melicias, Various Interests, Portugal).
The ESC considers that policy must begin with the immigrants' initial reception and culminate in their full and practical acquisition of the same rights and duties as other citizens. This means launching initiatives in many areas, such as employment integration, full access to education, health and other public social services. Action programmes are also needed to protect immigrants from racism, violence and all forms of discrimination. For this reason the ESC proposes that the European Convention give consideration to granting EU citizenship and the right to vote in local and European Parliament elections to third-country nationals having long-term residency status.