On the occasion of the International Migrants Day, the High Representative and the European Commission made the following statement:

(..)

On International Migrants Day, the European Union reiterates its strong commitment to protect the dignity and human rights of all migrants. Migrants bring value for our economies and societies, and we strive to ensure that migration takes place in a safe, legal and well-managed way.

(..)

Migration management requires global cooperation and engagement, solidarity and responsibility-sharing. The European Union follows a comprehensive, balanced and cooperative approach, in partnership with countries of origin, transit and destination, regional and multilateral organisations, as well as civil society, migrants’ and diaspora organisations. We also seek to maximise the development benefits of migration, leverage the potential of remittances and closely engage with diaspora organisations.

Last September, we proposed a new Pact on Migration and Asylum for the European Union. Under the Pact, we aim for common governance of migration at Union level: solidarity and a fair sharing of responsibility, more effective procedures,a stronger engagement to develop pathways for legal migration and enhance integration and address irregular migration.

As part of the new Pact, we commit to deepen our cooperation with partner countries. Enhancing economic opportunities, strengthening the fight against human traffickers and smugglers that benefit from despair and put thousands of human lives in danger, and improving readmission and reintegration of migrants are all elements of comprehensive, tailor-made partnerships in which we are already engaging and are seeking to enhance.”

Read more

Full statement

New Pact on Migration and Asylum