Brussels, 30/11/2007 (Agence Europe) - After discussing the matter at their last meeting (see EUROPE 9541), the EU27 finance ministers will adopt conclusions on Tuesday 4 December 2007 on the economic impact of migration into the EU. The draft text has been endorsed by the Economic Policy Committee and the Economic and Finance Committee and will be sent to EU heads of state and government for their discussion of immigration policy at the European Council on 14 December 2007. The ECOFIN Council will confirm that 'migration has an important role to play to increase growth potential and facilitate adjustment' in the EU.
The conclusions comment that 'both highly-skilled and lower-skilled migration can contribute positively to the dynamism of the economy depending on the specific situation and needs of the recipient countries… Realising potential gains from immigration, especially in the medium-term, depends crucially on the success of integration policies for the immigrant population, and their efforts to integrate.' 'The benefits of successful integration of migrants, especially in the labour market, should not diminish member states' efforts in the implementation of reforms. Immigration is no substitute for structural reforms,' explains the document, noting that 'immigration can contribute to the financing of the public pay-as-you-go pension schemes in the short to medium term, but its impact on the long-term sustainability of public finances is at best marginal.' In parallel, the member states should take account of the negative impact of immigration on the immigrants' country of origin (slower growth due to the brain drain). (A.B.)