EESC President

Today, President Röpke addressed the 9th European Migration Forum (EMF), emphasizing the vital role of civil society in the successful implementation of the EU’s new Pact on Migration and Asylum. This flagship event, co-organized by the EESC and the European Commission´s Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs, gathered over 150 civil society organizations, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss the EU’s evolving migration policies.

President Röpke lauded the progress achieved under the Pact while acknowledging its criticisms. He underscored the importance of collaboration between civil society and EU institutions to ensure humane, sustainable, and rights-respecting implementation. He stressed that although the Pact is now law, the real work begins with its application. President Röpke underlined the crucial impact of the expertise and lived experience of civil society should have at this stage.

The event also celebrated Commissioner Ylva Johansson’s enduring commitment to migration policy as she nears the conclusion of her term. President Röpke thanked Commissioner Johansson for her dedication, highlighting that her tireless efforts have transformed EU migration policy into a firmer, fairer framework.

Forum participants engaged in discussions on key migration challenges, including reception conditions, return procedures, and the solidarity mechanism. Civil society leaders such as Younous Muhammadi, Anila Noor, and Rudi Osman shared their experiences, highlighting the intersection of policy and human impact.

The EESC’s focus on participatory democracy resonated strongly throughout the event. The President praised the diverse representation of participants, reflecting Europe’s rich tapestry of communities and cultures. He emphasized the EESC’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that civil society voices remain central to EU decision-making processes.

The two-day Forum, concluding tomorrow, aims to generate actionable recommendations to guide the implementation of the Migration Pact across member states.