Migrations, Integration and Co-Development in Europe

“Migration is increasingly coming into sharp focus on the global agenda and is recognised as a powerful vehicle for boosting development in both countries of origin and destination” (COM2013) 292 final). The challenge of developing a common EU immigration and asylum policy is a hot political topic in the civil society agenda.

There is an urgent need to provide a flexible framework that takes into account European Union countries’ particular situations, in order to coordinate:

Emergencies and humanitarian assistance to asylum seekers and migrants, irrespective of their legal status;
integrated border management;
entry, residence conditions and human rights protection of asylum seekers and migrants;
a consistent policy for fighting illegal immigration and trafficking of human beings;
integration strategies for the inclusive growth and empowerment of migrants into the European Society.

The project

The project “Migrations, Integration and Co-Development in Europe” encourages an intercultural dialogue between civil society organizations and citizens from different countries and living communities in Europe to express their views about EU policies related to migration and asylum and more broadly, about the key priorities and strategic actions needed to face common and current challenges. Through a bottom up approach the project involves citizens and members from civil society organisations, local authorities, educational, cultural or research institutions, town-twinning committees and networks that are active in the migration and asylum field.

Objectives

To foster a lively and cross-border debate about EU policy related to migration, asylum and international protection among civil society organizations and citizens in Europe.
To contribute to the kick-start of a common EU migration and asylum policy.
To increase further cooperation, democratic engagement and civic participation between civil society organizations and citizens that are active in the migrations, asylum and inclusion field from different countries and living communities in Europe.

Activities

An initial international workshop on “Migration, and co-development in Europe”. Venue: Caltanissetta, Italy. Dates: 8-10 May
An online survey will be launched in order to gather individual opinions on migration and asylum policy from a large number of citizens in all participating countries. The results will provide the basis for the development of recommendations for a European Citizen Initiative on a common EU policy on Migration and Asylum.
A final international seminar “A common European migration policy”. Venue: Caltanissetta, Italy. Dates: 3-4 October 2015
As final output of the project, participants will work on recommendations for a European citizens’ initiative demanding a new European migration policy.
Dissemination and exploitation activities will take place at both local and EU level.

Project coordinator

Italy, Caltanissetta, PRISM-Promozione Interanzionale Sicilia-Mondo

Project partners

Italy, Caltanissetta, Migranti Solidali

Cyprus, Lefkosia, Centre for advancement of research and development in education

Belgium, Liege, INFOREF Initiatives pour une Formation Efficace

Estonia, Tartu, SEIKLEJATE VENNASKOND

France, Paris, FORUM EUROPE

Germany, Berlin, Aufbruch Neukölln

Greece, Patras, Hellenic Regional Development Center

Austria, Linz, Volkshochschule Oberösterreich

Latvia, Riga, HUMANA People to people in Latvia