The 9th European Migration Forum (EMF), organised by the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) and the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs, focused on how civil society can play a key role in the forthcoming implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum, while highlighting the direct work of civil society organisations on the ground.

The EMF, held in Brussels in late November, shone the spotlight on the Pact on Migration and Asylum, which entered into force in June 2024. Participants explored its forthcoming implementation and how civil society can help support and apply the pact humanely. The event also took a closer look at the new permanent solidarity mechanism, creating closer links between asylum and return procedures, adequate reception conditions and the Action Plan on Integration and Inclusion 2021-2027.

Kicking off the opening session, the outgoing European Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson, said: ‘I am glad that one of my last public duties as Commissioner will be to speak at the European Migration Forum, a vital platform for civil society organisations, EU Member States and policy-makers to address challenges and opportunities related to migration management. Our discussions over the years have always been inspiring. Together, we can build stronger, more resilient communities, upholding our values and ensuring that Europe remains a place of refuge and opportunity.’

The EESC President, Oliver Röpke, thanked Commissioner Johansson for her dedication to reforming EU migration policy. ‘We must ensure that the migration pact is implemented in the most humane and sustainable way possible and the only way we can do this is by listening to civil society organisations on the ground. Although the pact has been adopted, the work is far from over – in fact, one could say the real work starts now,’ he warned.

The EMF was established in 2015 as a platform for dialogue between civil society, institutions and authorities on issues relating to migration and the integration of third-country nationals. It meets once a year to discuss the latest policy developments and to gather and exchange information on how European policies are implemented at regional, local and grass-roots levels.

Each year, the forum focuses on a different theme, which is chosen on the basis of input provided by civil society organisations during consultation processes undertaken in the months leading up to the event. It has so far covered topics such as safe migration routes, migrants’ access to rights and services and to the EU, a more inclusive European labour market for migrants and the role of young people.

The EESC has already adopted key opinions on major themes relating to migration and asylum, including on the setup of the Pact on Migration and Asylum, on asylum and migration regulation, on the Security Union package/Schengen package, and on the Action plan on integration and inclusion 2021-2027. The EESC also set up a permanent group on immigration and integration in 2009, which helps give tangible form to the EESC’s role as a facilitator between civil society and the EU institutions on migration issues, while striving to promote the development of a common European immigration and integration policy. (lm)