Full Minutes of the Meetings

SESSION OF WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2004

Migration, employment, and integration of migrants

Κaramanou (PSE). – Mr. President, on behalf of the Socialist Group in the European Parliament, I would first like to emphasize that my group fully supports the text of the report we are discussing today. The Moraes report is fully in line with the spirit and letter of the Tampere conclusions, which explicitly called for a more active integration policy for migrants, with the aim of granting rights and obligations corresponding to those that apply to Union citizens.

Certainly, migration policy cannot mean only border protection; it cannot be identified solely with repressive measures, repatriation, and readmission. The Europe of human rights and the rule of law must move towards the recognition of the basic labor and political rights of migrants, recognizing their contribution, their valuable role in the economic development of Europe.

Certainly, social integration cannot be conceived without the recognition of political rights and obligations, that is, the right to vote and stand for election. I believe a huge moral issue is created by the position of many conservative colleagues who willingly accept the exploitation of migrant labor, primarily in jobs abandoned by Europeans, see them simultaneously as a good solution to the demographic problem, but make no effort to discuss the recognition of their political rights. Such is the unethical stance of those who, with opportunistic and adventuristic positions and actions, fuel xenophobia and racism in Europe, attempting to erect new Berlin Walls in the minds and consciences of people.

For the past ten years, my political group has fought for a humanitarian approach to the issues arising from large movements of migrant and refugee populations, and we are striving for a pluralistic and multicultural Union, for unity through our differences, where everyone will have a place and rights without discrimination and without imaginary walls between us.

European integration, social cohesion, and the Lisbon strategy will be unachievable goals, as you pointed out, Commissioner, without the full safeguarding and implementation of all human and political rights that European governments have pledged to uphold. I would like to express my satisfaction because this morning I heard Mr. Ahern confirm that the promotion of human rights is one of the priorities of the Irish Presidency. Only through the respect of their rights will people of different origins and cultures feel part of the social whole in which they live and work legally, as bearers of rights and obligations with a say in their daily lives, their work, education, language learning, housing, healthcare services, social services, their cultural environment, and their political participation. Repeatedly, we as Parliament have proposed full recognition of political rights for those who have completed five years of residence in the European Union.

Furthermore, Mr. President, as Chair of the Committee on Women’s Rights, I would like to ask for something that is missing from the Commission’s communication—the integration of a gender perspective into all policies regarding the rights of migrants. Women are the most vulnerable group and are often the first victims of economic and sexual exploitation. Therefore, specific measures need to be taken to combat discrimination and facilitate their integration into social and professional life. Such measures can include vocational training, childcare facilities, individualized rights, counseling support, specialized research, etc.