10th European Migration Forum highlights how civil society can help the EU harness migrants’ skills and talents for the better

The 10th edition of the European Migration Forum (EMF), co-organised by the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) and the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs, called for continued collaboration between civil society, EU institutions and Member States to ensure that migration policies are effective, rights-based and responsive to the realities on the ground. The EESC reaffirmed its commitment to representing the voices of civil society and promoting policies that foster social inclusion, dignity and opportunity for all. 

This milestone event brought together over 145 civil society organisations, 18 local and regional authorities, EU policymakers and international organisations to focus on the theme ’Harnessing migrants’ skills in the EU’. The forum provided a unique platform for civil society, local and regional authorities and EU institutions to discuss how best to unlock the potential of migrants and refugees in Europe’s labour markets.

Keynote speeches were delivered by European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner, and EESC President, Séamus Boland, who both underlined the importance of coordinated, humane and inclusive migration policies.

‘Participating in the European Migration Forum is a very good opportunity to engage directly with civil society,’ Commissioner Brunner explained. ‘This is essential for shaping sound policies and understanding expectations on the ground. It was the first time I was invited to join, and the good discussions we had have me very much looking forward to the next forum. As we enter the final stretch of implementing the Pact on Migration and Asylum, we count on civil society to continue making a strong impact’.

‘Migrants and refugees make active and enriching contributions to our societies and economies, but EU policy remains fragmented and overly complex,’ said EESC President Boland. ‘That’s why we stress the need for a coordinated and inclusive approach that supports fair and safe access to the labour market for all’.

The forum provided space for participants to share their stories, highlight challenges and propose solutions. Testimonies from migrants, refugees and civil society actors underscored the vital role of grassroot initiatives in building inclusive communities and addressing labour and skills shortages across the EU.

The programme featured high-level panels on positive models of integration and helping migrants enter the job market, as well as parallel roundtables which enabled frank and profound discussions between civil society and EU policymakers. The roundtables focused on EU funding for labour market integration; protecting migrant workers while fighting against illegal employment; and combatting trafficking in human beings. It was clear from the panels and roundtables that the narrative surrounding migration is contradictory. On the one hand, Europe needs workers; and traffickers and scrupulous employers must be prosecuted. Yet on the other, migration is stigmatised and used to fuel populist rhetoric.

Civil society representatives, including members of the European Migration Forum Bureau, played a central role in shaping the discussions. The Bureau, composed of individuals with lived experiences of migration and long-standing commitments to asylum and integration, was recognised for its leadership and contributions.

To mark the 10th anniversary of the forum, the first day was rounded off with a musical interlude by the Damast Duo, who blended Arabic and European folk music, providing a moment of cultural exchange and reflection that resonated with the forum’s spirit of inclusion and diversity.