Implementing the Pact on Asylum and Migration: A Test of the EU’s Values

Statement by Carlos Trindade, President of the EESC's permanent group on Immigration and Integration

With the entry into force of the EU Pact on Asylum and Migration, Europe faces a defining test: whether it can build a migration and asylum system that is not only effective, but also humane, fair and true to its values. 

The EESC welcomes the implementation of the Pact and recognises the efforts made by the EU and Member States to reform a previous asylum system that was clearly no longer fit for purpose. At the same time, like much of civil society, the EESC shares serious concerns about certain elements of the Pact. Amongst these concerns are notably, the protection of fundamental rights for people arriving at the EU's external borders. The EESC also questions the use of the concept of “safe third countries” in light of instability and insecurity in many affected countries and regions. Finally, it has doubts as to whether the solidarity mechanism will deliver genuine solidarity among Member States. 

For the EESC, the starting point must always be human dignity. Migrants, refugees and asylum seekers should not be seen as numbers, as political instruments nor as administrative procedures: they are people with rights, hopes and the potential to contribute to their host societies. The EESC is firmly committed to upholding fundamental rights and international protection standards, and calls for a humane, sustainable and rights-based EU migration and asylum policy, in line with European values and international obligations. This also means removing the barriers that too often prevent those fleeing persecution and poverty from accessing housing, education, healthcare and quality employment. 

People with a migrant and refugee background already contribute to their host societies, despite the difficult climate they face: a proposed returns' system that entails a significant expansion of the EU's coercive powers, and that may lead to a serious erosion of fundamental rights and undermine the rule of law; inadequate integration and inclusion policies in Member States. Safe and legal pathways, holistic and early integration policies are what is needed: not "Fortress Europe".   

Now that the Pact has entered into force, the real measure of success will lie in its implementation. The work is far from over: it must be guided by responsibility, solidarity and respect for fundamental rights at every stage. That means strengthening dialogue with civil society organisations so that people with lived experience are heard; their ideas, solutions and concerns taken seriously. All of this to ensure that those who have been forced to leave their homes - wherever they are and for whatever the reason - are treated with respect, compassion and dignity. In doing so, Europe can move beyond crisis management and towards a migration and asylum policy that protects people, strengthens communities and reflects the values it seeks to defend.