The network, which regularly brings together policymakers and representatives from PES member parties across Europe, met to discuss the future of the Common European Asylum System and the European Commission’s proposals for reform. The proposals are currently under discussion in the EU institutions.
Addressing the meeting, PES deputy secretary general Marije Laffeber said:
“All EU member states must contribute to the EU’s migration policy in a fair manner, to give true meaning to the notion of solidarity. And we should increase our efforts to fully implement the relocation and resettlement scheme.
“In particular, we must urgently take care of unaccompanied minors. More than 400 refugee and asylum-seeker children are still waiting in Greece and Italy. The reform of the common asylum system offers a significant opportunity to improve their situation by providing protection, care and support.
“Finally, we must have effective integration policies, and fight against the populist rhetoric against immigration, which is contributing to anti-EU sentiment.”
Carina Ohlsson, the co-chair of the network, added:
“The current discussion on the reform of the Common European Asylum System is an opportunity to strive for a harmonised and effective EU policy on asylum and migration based on the principles of solidarity, responsibility and humanitarianism. This is the momentum for a progressive approach to these issues.”
Also in attendance at the meeting were:
- Francois Bienfait, EASO’s Liaison Officer to the EU institutions
- Peter Bossman, PES coordinator for the CIVEX Commission
- Karen Mets, Senior Advocacy Advisor for Save the Children focussing on migration and child rights
- Panagiotis Nikas, former director of the First Reception Service from 2012 until 2016 in the Ministry of Migration Policy
- Kati Piri MEP, Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats
- Kris Pollet, responsible for the coordination and development of ECRE’s policy and legal work.
- Stephen Ryan, Deputy Head of the Asylum Policy Unit in the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs
- Deniza Slateva, Deputy Chairwoman of the Bulgarian Socialist Party
- Jure Tanko, policy advisor on migration, asylum and home affairs to MEP Tanja Fajon, Vice-President of the S&D Group