On the 10th of April 2024, the European Parliament adopted the New EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, raising significant concerns about the rights of migrants to claim asylum and access legal and safe routes. In response, MPG's Carmine Conte and Başak Yavcan delve into various aspects of the New Pact in this reflection paper. What stands out in their analysis is the often-overlooked connection between the pact and its impact on integration. Also, Carmine highlighted several controversial issues contained in the pact in an interview with France 24.
This month we are proud to have published two brand new publications. The first one is a policy brief on the linkages between inclusive integration policies at the local level and public attitudes towards migration and social cohesion. The second publication is a thematic report on the comparative analysis of national LGBTIQ equality action plans in the EU.
Next in this newsletter, you will find MPG's Sinem Yılmaz's interview with the Financial Times on the overlooked potential of highly skilled migrants in Europe. This article provides insights in understanding how European countries hinder educated people from abroad in pursuing their trained professions and expertise.
And lastly, with EU elections are around the corner, MPG is organising a webinar on Thursday 23/05 (16:30 – 18:00 CET), two weeks before the elections, that will explore what messaging works best to encourage mobile voters to go out and vote.
Warm regards,
Isabelle Chopin, Director of MPG
Reflections on the New EU Pact on Migration & Asylum
As the new EU Pact on Migration & Asylum got adopted by the European Parliament on the 10th of April, MPG's Carmine Conte and Başak Yavcan wrote a reflection paper. In this paper, MPG reflects on the border regime and asylum procedures, the missing link between migration and integration through the new solidarity structure and resettlement framework, the third country cooperations, and the further externalisation of the European borders.
Also, MPG’s Senior Legal Policy Analyst, Dr. Carmine Conte, was interviewed by France24 on the recent adoption of the new pact. Carmine highlighted several controversial issues contained in the pact. These include fast-track asylum and return procedures, which could result in substandard practices and reduced safeguards. They may also limit access to legal recourse and lead to inadequate assessments of migrants' vulnerability. Additionally, there is a growing concern about the escalating use of detention for asylum seekers and migrants at Europe's external borders.
New comparative analysis of national LGBTIQ equality action plans in the EU
MPG is committed to advancing anti-discrimination legislation and policies through its innovative research and networks. This month, the European network of legal experts in gender equality and non-discrimination, of which MPG's Director Isabelle Chopin is the Specialist Coordinator in Non-Discrimination Law, published a new report.
The thematic report on the Comparative Analysis of National LGBTIQ Equality Action Plans in the EU offers a comparable data on the human rights situation of LGBTIQ people across the EU and provides a comprehensive overview of the state of implementation of (national) action plans and/or strategies on LGBTIQ equality in the EU member states.
The policy brief highlights the crucial role of both national and local policymakers in promoting inclusive integration policies for migrant populations. It also provides concrete recommendations to foster social cohesion, enhance public perception towards newcomers, and build more inclusive communities.
MPG's Sinem Yılmazspeaks to Financial Times on missed potential of highly skilled migrants in Europe
Sinem Yılmaz, MPG's Integration Policy Analyst, was interviewed by the Financial Times on the missed potential of highly skilled migrants - brain waste - in Europe.
The article highlights how European countries hinder educated people from abroad from working in their fields of trained professions and expertise. Sinem talks about the case of Portugal, highlighting it as a positive example when it comes to integration of highly skilled migrants. “They not only have a plan, but they execute it and try to improve it. This is really good practice that we cannot see for the majority of European countries when it comes to integration”.
On Thursday 23/05 (16:30 – 18:00 CET), two weeks before the elections, we are organising an online panel discussion that will explore what messaging works best to encourage mobile voters to go out and vote.
If you work for or are part of a grassroots organisation, migrant-led organisation or a civil society organisation, then this webinar is for you. You will be able to listen to the experiences of peers from across Europe.
The Migrant Integration Policy Index (MIPEX) is a unique tool which measures integration policies in 56 countries across 8 policy areas. It provides up-to-date, comprehensive research data and analysis on which to base policies, proposals for change and projects.
Here are this month's MIPEX citations:
“Succeeding without belonging? A double comparison of migrants’ socio-economic attainment and national belonging across origin and residence countries”by Nella Geurts and Karen Phalet, published in European Sociological Review.
