Belgium, (Brussels Morning Newspaper) The European Commission and social partners reaffirmed their commitment to integrate migrants and refugees into the EU labour market.
In a joint statement released on Monday, the EC and partners stressed the importance of a coordinated approach to facilitate smooth integration, noting that it will benefit migrants and host countries.
Ylva Johansson, European Commissioner for Home Affairs, pointed out that the Commission needs to work together with social partners to make sure migrants “are being employed at the right level, according to their education.”
“Today, with our social and economic partners, we are reaffirming our commitment to a multi-stakeholder approach to support the strength, ambition, capabilities and skills that refugees and migrants bring to the labour market,” she concluded.
Nicolas Schmit, European Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights, added “the European Partnership for Integration of migrants demonstrates our continued solidarity with Ukraine… not just in words, but with action.”
According to Schmit, “it is our collective duty to provide as much support as we can to help them make a life for themselves in the EU.”
He stressed that finding a good job helps migrants and refugees to become financially independent and integrate into host societies. “This we can only achieve together with the social and economic partners… I am looking forward to a constructive collaboration,” Schmit concluded.
Joining forces to strengthen integration
The partners in question include the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC), BusinessEurope, SMEUnited, SGI Europe and Eurochambres.
Participants stressed the importance of coordinating efforts aimed at integration of refugees from Ukraine, reminding that the EC previously issued guidance for vocational training, access to the labour market and recognition of qualifications of Ukrainian refugees to facilitate integration.
They exchanged experiences with labour market integration of Ukrainians and other refugees and migrants, pointing out that it is important to take into account the specific needs of applicants.
Participants agreed to meet biannually starting next year to discuss plans and projects, with the EC pointing out that they will meet at political level as needed.
The Commission and its partners launched the European Partnership for Integration at the end of 2017 to “enhance the early integration of refugees into the labour market, ensure that integration benefits refugees as well as the economy and society at large, and promote a multi-stakeholder approach from the European to the national, regional and local levels.”
