Implementation of the global compact for safe, orderly and regular migration based on EU values (own-initiative opinion)

Key points

The EESC:

• notes the lack of progress made by the EU in delivering a common migration policy: this undermines solidarity between Member States and, at the same time, affects the proper fulfilment of responsibilities under international law;
• points out that the Compact is in fully line with Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union, which includes – as its main values – respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities;
• notes that the Compact posits migration and asylum as an international and multilateral issue, with the aim of promoting greater collaboration and dialogue between the countries of origin, destination and transit involved in migratory flows, in order to promote orderly, safe and regular migration;
• notes that the Global Compact is a non-binding instrument that does not create new obligations for EU Member States and its content builds fully on the principles and values of the European Union;
• regrets the fact that the Compact has not been approved by all Member States and believes that it would have been an excellent opportunity to make progress on establishing a single EU voice on migration on the global stage. The EESC is therefore of the view that all EU Member States should ratify the Compact, and also recommends that the EU clarify and build on the Compact's objectives using appropriate mechanisms;
• believes it would be useful to explore opportunities to participate in the consultations and intergovernmental negotiations leading to the development of the International Migration Review Forum as well as in the forum itself, which will be the UN mechanism for monitoring the Global Compact;
• recognises efforts made by EU citizens, social partners and civil society organisations, who have effectively put EU values, and therefore the objectives of the Compact, into practice through their commitment and activities;
• reiterates its concern that far-right political forces are trying to turn migration into a problem that generates tension and fuels hate speech, creating a more divided, confrontational EU that is not able to provide adequate proposals.