EUKN - European Urban Knowledge Network - European Center for Migration to manage flow of highly skilled immigrants

European Center for Migration to manage flow of highly skilled immigrants

25-04-2007

The European Centre for Migration Policies has been launched during a round table on high skilled labour flows in Brussels, on 18 April 2007. Its main mission will be to act as the bridge between Europe's local and regional government, and the European Commission. The Centre will address all issues connected to migration, including the integration of migrants, socio-economic aspects, financial aspects, as well as relations with the countries of origin.

Some two hundred participants attended the round table hosted by Member of European Parliament (MEP) Vittorio Prodi, at the European Parliament and moderated by the Council of European Municipalities and Regions' (CEMR) head of press and communication, Patrizio Fiorilli.

The speakers included:

MEP Richard Howitt (UK)
the Calabrese Under Secretary to the Presidency, Vincenzo Falcone
the chair of CEMR's working group on Employment and Social affairs, Mathias Schulze-Böing
the secretary for immigration of the Catalonian government Oriol Amorós (S)
Ali al Hadaui (NL), advisor to the Amsterdam municipality
the Minister for Migratory policies of the Veneto region Oscar de Bona (I)
the Norrboten County Council Commissioner Monica Carlsson (SV)
Stefania Pasquetti represented the DG Justice, Freedom and Security of the European Commission, since the Commission will publish a directive on the conditions of entry for high skilled workers, next September

Ms Pasquetti told the floor that by 2050 one third of the EU population will be over 65 years of age. By 2050, the share of population in working age is expected to decrease by 52 million. These figures clearly highlight the contribution immigration has to make to sustain Europe's competitiveness in the face of demographic challenge. To improve economic growth, Europe must improve its ability to attract the immigrants it needs Europe must become a real magnet for highly skilled immigrants. The directive on the conditions of entry and residence for high skilled workers may include an EU “Green or blue card”, or other measures to facilitate mobility between Member States.

City to City and the European Centre for Migration Policies
The European Centre for Migration Policies was conceived within the City to City project. City to city is a European project funded within Interreg IIIC South. It focuses on the integration of migrant workers, and brings together partners from 7 countries (Germany, Italy, Latvia, United Kingdom, Spain, Sweden and Turkey). Beyond its role as a bridge between local and regional governments and the EU institutions, it will gather data about immigration in Europe.

Source: Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR)

Links
Visit the City to City project website

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