Landmark migration reforms need more local input

Regional and local leaders press national governments and EU to listen to concerns of local communities hosting asylum-seekers and migrants.

The European Union's reform of its migration and asylum system risks being undermined politically and practically if the concerns of local and regional authorities are not listened to, the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) said on 9 October. The EU's assembly for local and regional politicians also highlighted concerns about the fairness of the new system and weaknesses that could limit the rights of migrants.

The warnings are contained in a set of recommendations adopted by the CoR that are intended to ensure that the objectives of the New Pact on Migration and Asylum – to establish a more sustainable and humane system of managing migration into Europe – are not compromised when implemented by national governments. The EU adopted the reforms on 12 June after years of debate. EU Member States have until 12 December to produce National Implementation Plans, which will then be subject to the European Commission’s approval. 

The CoR's recommendations, which were drafted by Antje Grotheer (DE/PES), President of Bremen Parliament, urge national governments to hold early consultations with local governments and local communities about the siting of the screening and border procedures, as well as about health care and legal advice to be made available. Local and regional politicians also said that new arrivals' protection needs should be determined more swiftly. Many migrants and asylum-seekers spend many months, sometimes years, in border regions while they wait for their legal status to be determined and for relocation.

The European Commission's 'Common Implementation Plan for the Pact on Migration and Asylum' covers ten areas, from the point a migrant arrives at the EU's borders through to integration in their new homes or their return to their country of origin. The CoR opinion provides a local and regional perspective on all ten areas.

The CoR opinion urges the EU to formally recognise the distinct situation of external border regions in its policies on freedom, security and justice. It also reflects concerns over a persisting lack of solidarity between EU Member States, pressing EU authorities to "ensure that no EU Member State has the option of systematically refusing the reception of migrants". Moreover, It warns that search-and-rescue operations at sea may be jeopardised if national authorities of the Member State of entry alone are given responsibility for disembarkation.

At the same time, the CoR opinion defends free movement within the Schengen Area, urging the European Commission to carry out swift checks to ensure that any re-imposition of internal border checks by a national government is justified and proportionate. The Schengen Treaty allows national governments to make border checks in the event of "a serious threat to public policy or to internal security".

Quote: 

Antje Grotheer (DE/PES), President of Bremen Parliament: "We are coming to the moment of truth for one of the most contentious reforms agreed by the EU in many years. This is when we have to implement the letter and spirit of the new migration and asylum rules, and to ensure that EU values and international human rights standards are fully respected. The effects will be felt in regions and communities across the EU. Our proposals would give a stronger voice to regional and local governments. Politically and practically, these reforms will stall if the concerns of local communities are not listened to. Our proposals also reflect a fundamental commitment to protecting the vulnerable, including those arriving by sea. The right to life takes precedence over immigration controls. Save lives first, then assess the other rights of those rescued person."