Family reunification (Green Paper)

EESC opinion: Family reunification (Green Paper)

Key points

  • The Committee welcomes the European Commission's efforts to organise a broad public debate on the Directive on family reunification.
  • The Committee supports this debate and will take action to ensure that the voice of organised civil society is instrumental in achieving this agenda.
  • The Committee believes that the debate on the Directive and its impact should focus on the practical aspects of implementation and that the way in which action will be taken and the instruments used should be established during a subsequent phase, again with the consultation of stakeholders.
  • The Directive should be debated in the light of the many international treaties and conventions protecting private life, the family and family members, particularly children. The right to respect for private and family life is – and should be considered – a fundamental right, regardless of the nationality of the individuals in question.