In our statement on asylum in cities, we call for a comprehensive EU migration policy that recognises the challenges faced by cities and local level solutions.

European cities located in arrival, transit and destination countries are experiencing the social, humanitarian and financial challenges of the current asylum crisis.

Our statement on asylum published on 13 May was developed by our working group migration and integration with input from all social affairs forum working groups. In it, we stress the important role European cities play in receiving and integrating asylum seekers, refugees and other beneficiaries of protection. We call for a comprehensive EU migration policy that recognises the challenges faced by cities and local level solutions.

In our statement, we recommend measures to improve the integration of asylum seekers and refugees at local level, and we stress the need to share responsibility and maintain solidarity across Europe.

We also call for adequate European and national funding to support services provided to asylum seekers and refugees at local level City authorities are frontline service providers often responsible for the care of asylum seekers, and as such the EU and national governments should involve them in the implementation of the Common European Asylum System, ensuring responsibilities are shared fairly across Europe.

More systematic involvement of cities, together with the changes we propose, would improve Europe’s ability to respond to one of its most urgent challenges. It would also better enable cities to ensure the successful social and economic integration of asylum seekers and recognised refugees.

Please read our full statement at the link below. 

EUROCITIES is a partner of the SHARE project.

Source: eurocities.eu