Edelman – Urban Dialogues: Migration and Asylum in Europe’s Cities
The new European Migration Agenda has been the subject of heated debate since the end of 2014, and is one of the priorities of the Juncker Commission. The focus on border protection and how to deal with the lack of solidarity between member states have been at the forefront of discussion throughout 2015. The asylum crisis at the borders of Europe is only part of the story. Policymakers can not neglect the long-term impact of migrant integration and social cohesion within European societies.
Cities in European arrival, transit and destination countries are particularly affected by the social, humanitarian, and financial challenges caused by the current asylum crisis. City authorities play an important role in the reception and integration of newcomers, including asylum seekers, refugees and other beneficiaries of international protection.
EUROCITIES recently called for a comprehensive EU migration policy that really takes into account the challenges faced by cities and the solutions found at city level.
Questions to be addressed:
- What role do city authorities play in the field of migration and asylum?
- What are the challenges faced by city authorities and how are they being overcome?
- How can all stakeholders work together to ensure the successful social and economic integration of newcomers?
Speakers include:
- Ahmed Aboutaleb, Mayor of Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Thomas Fabian, Deputy Mayor of Leipzig & Chair of EUROCITIES Social Affairs Forum
- Michele Levoy, Director of PICUM (Platform for International Cooperation on Undocumented Migrants)
- Fabrizia Panzetti, Member of Cabinet of Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy & Vice-President of the European Commission
Moderation by Ryan Heath, Senior Correspondent, Politico Europe.
This debate is the second in a series of Urban Dialogues organised in partnership by The Centre and EUROCITIES. The series will explore how to better tackle some of the EU’s current challenges by joining up European and local solutions.
