On the eve of the Pact entering into force, the Party of European Socialists (PES) Migration & Integration Network met to discuss the implementation of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum and the provisional political agreement on the EU’s proposed Return Regulation, bringing together policymakers, experts, and progressive stakeholders from across Europe.
The discussion focused on ensuring that Europe’s asylum and migration framework remains firmly rooted in solidarity, human rights and the rule of law, while delivering practical and sustainable solutions to common challenges.
Participants exchanged views on how both legislative files could impact on fundamental rights, legal safeguards, and cooperation between Member States, highlighting the substantial operational, administrative, and political efforts that Member States and EU institutions will need to undertake in the years ahead and the importance of solidarity between Member States.
Several participants criticised the growing cooperation between the EPP and far-right forces on migration issues. They reaffirmed that respect for international obligations and effective inclusion policies are essential elements of a sustainable migration framework.
Ana Catarina Mendes, Chair of the PES Migration & Integration Network and Vice-President of the S&D Group in the European Parliament, said:
“As Social Democrats, we have always supported the need for a functioning migration system. Europe needs clear rules, effective procedures and safe and durable solutions. Returns are part of a credible migration policy, of course – it would be naïve to say otherwise. However, effectiveness cannot come at the expense of protection, legality or fundamental rights.
Europe needs return policies that work. We do not support offshore hubs, mass detention, targeting families and children at home, or punitive enforcement measures. Effective returns must have strong safeguards for fundamental rights and protect vulnerable people. We must tackle the root causes of irregular migration through legal pathways, inclusion, and international cooperation.
The current proposal for return regulation weakens safeguards and undermines fundamental rights. It will push more people into irregular situations instead of increasing returns. Europe needs migration policies that are effective, fair and humane not increasing troubling cooperation between the EPP and the far right on migration and other policies.”
Charlotte Coenen, Adviser, Vooruit, Belgium; Laetitia Van der Vennet, Senior Advocacy Officer, PICUM
Closing the meeting, Ana Catarina Mendes underlined that successful implementation of the Pact and scrutiny of future legislative proposals will be crucial to ensuring a fair and credible European migration system. Progressives must continue to shape migration and asylum policies that uphold European values while responding effectively to challenges and opportunities.
The PES Migration & Integration Network will continue to provide a platform for dialogue and cooperation among progressive policymakers, experts, and stakeholders as the European Union enters a decisive phase in the implementation of its new migration and asylum framework.
Participants
- Ana Catarina Mendes, Chair of the PES Migration & Integration Network and Member of the European Parliament
- Murielle Laurent, Member of the European Parliament
- Juan Fernando López Aguilar, Member of the European Parliament
- Hakim Demir, Member of Parliament
- Charlotte Coenen, Adviser, Vooruit, Belgium
- Laetitia Van der Vennet, Senior Advocacy Officer, PICUM
- Hanne Beirens, Visiting Professor, College of Europe
- Ola Möller, Member of Parliament
- Hedwig Giusto, Senior Research Fellow, FEPS
- Antje Grotheert, Rapporteur on the New Pact on Migration and Asylum, PES Group COR
- Federica Toscano, Senior Advocacy Advisor, Save the Children
- Jeff Walsh, Liaison Officer, UNHCR
- Agueda Marin, Global Thematic Specialist IOM
Online participants to the meeting
