European Trade Union Committee for Education

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ETUCE and some of our member organisations participated in the European Commission’s consultation on EU funds in the area of migration.

In general terms, the questionnaire results correspond to the ETUCE position:

The three most important policy challenges identified for the EU programmes/funds under the migration policy area are: 1. "Ensuring solidarity with Member States facing the greatest migration pressure" (79.2% of respondents) 2. "Supporting the work of Member States to accept and integrate migrants into their society" (71.2% of respondents) 3. "Strengthening and developing the Common European Asylum System" (70.3% of respondents).

ETUCE agrees that the EU programmes/funds add an important value to what Member States could achieve on their own; nevertheless, we consider that the reception needs of asylum seekers, refugees and other migrants are not fully met by the current EU programmes/funds (see FRA report on access to education failing many migrants). Additional funding or synergies among the different EU funding programmes would be needed.

The complexity of rules and high administrative burden as well as the lack of flexibility to respond to changing circumstances are the two most important obstacles preventing current programmes/funds from successfully achieving their objectives.

ETUCE believes that EU funding programmes should complement and strengthen coherence in investment policies in migration at national, regional and local levels. Indeed, EU investment and funding programmes must be at the core of a clear EU migrant education agenda for Europe, where quality and inclusive education for all migrants and refugees have to be the fundamental principle.

To consult the full report of the public consultation on the EU long-term budget in the area of migration, please visit here.