EESC opinion: Immigration and cooperation for development

EESC opinion: Immigration and cooperation for development

Key points

Since 2006, by analysing the links between migration and development, a new way of observing migrations been conceived which takes into account the interests of the countries of origin, overriding the view reigning in Europe whereby migration policy was defined only in terms of the needs and interests of the host countries.

Until now, the EU's development cooperation policies have focused little on the role of migration as a factor to combat poverty.

Although they do not directly aim to boost or control migratory movements, the fight against poverty and inequality is one way to help reduce the underlying causes of unwanted emigration.

The EESC proposes that the Commission, the Parliament and the EU Council promote, within the framework of external policy, an international legal framework for migration, on the basis of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

The EESC supports a new approach for European policies: immigration policy should be managed in cooperation with the countries of origin, so that migration can be a factor for their development. This would require the review of many aspects of these policies, including those relating to admission criteria and the possibilities for mobility of immigrants.

In order to maximise the benefits provided by remittances, the EESC believes that the cost of financial intermediation in such transfers should be reduced.

The EU must support transnational diaspora networks as a way of fostering the development of the countries of origin.

The EESC is in favour of return and greater possibilities for movement, as a way of recovering human capital and preventing the brain drain. It calls for a migrants' entry policy in keeping with development aims: allowing entry contributes to development.