Representatives of PES member parties, MEPs, PES mayors and NGOs convened online for a strategic discussion on the PES vision for inclusive European societies, focusing on local-level examples of best practice within the progressive family.
Javier Ayala, Mayor of Fuenlabrada in Spain, and Mohamed Ridouani, Mayor of Leuven in Belgium, shared their views and details about the work their cities were undertaking to integrate newcomers and people with a migration background.
Co-chair of the PES Migration and Integration Network, Swedish MP Carina Ohlsson from SAP, said:
“Inclusion is about empowering each citizen, regardless of their socio-economic background or geographical location, to be able to effectively exercise their rights, have access to equal opportunities, security and at the same time respecting fundamental European values. Ultimately, the objective should be to create a sense of belonging for all, including migrants, or people with a migrant background and other vulnerable groups.
“Whilst being conscious that integration and inclusion policies are largely under the competences of Member States, integration mostly happens on a local level where people live, work and meet. In Fuenlabrada and Leuven, progressives are providing concrete examples of local policies that are proving very successful.
“We want to see a stronger link between all levels of governance, from the European to the local level. The EU can play an important role in supporting Member States as well as regional and local authorities to address the challenges and strengthen inclusive societies. With the new Action Plan on Integration and Inclusion 2021-2027, Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson and the PES family are working for resilient EU societies with more social progress, inclusion and shared prosperity for all.”
The Network stressed the need for all levels of government, civil society and other relevant stakeholders to work in partnership to strengthen integration and inclusion policies that guarantee equal access to public services, education, healthcare, housing and support for newcomers, especially women and vulnerable groups.
