European Institutional Framework – Regulations
Work
Labour immigration has a key role to play in driving economic development in the long term and in addressing current and future demographic challenges in the EU. The EU is therefore working on a number of interconnected measures which, together, aim to produce flexible admission systems, responsive to the priorities of each EU State, while enabling migrant workers to make full use of their skills. These measures cover the conditions of entry and residence for certain categories of immigrants such as highly qualified workers, seasonal workers and intra-corporate transferees, as well as the establishment of a single work and residence permit.
Family reunification
For the past 20 years, family reunification has been one of the main reasons for immigration into the EU. It is an entry channel enabling those who already reside legally in a Member State (referred to as sponsors) to be joined by their family members. Family reunification helps to create socio-cultural stability, facilitating the integration of third-country nationals residing in EU Member States, thus promoting economic and social cohesion – a fundamental EU objective.
Integration
Migrants actively contribute to the economic, social and cultural development of European societies. Their successful integration into society in the host country is the key to maximising the opportunities of legal migration and making the most of the contributions that immigration can make to EU development. Although Member States are primarily responsible for integration, the EU is supporting national and local policies with policy coordination, exchange of knowledge and financial resources.
Long-term residents
The integration of non-EU nationals who are long-term residents in the EU States is key to promoting economic and social cohesion in the EU. A non-EU national who has legally resided in an EU State for a certain period of time should thus be granted a set of uniform rights, almost identical to those enjoyed by EU citizens.
European Migration Forum
The European Migration Forum (EMF) is a platform for dialogue between civil society organizations and European Institutions on topics related to immigration, asylum and integration. The Forum meets at least once a year. It is an opportunity for civil society organizations to express their views, exchange ideas and best practices, and discuss challenges and priorities.
Launched in 2009 as an Integration Forum, in 2015 it expanded its scope to cover broader issues related to migration and asylum, in addition to integration issues.
Following an open call, the participants from the civil society sector are selected based on their organisations’ expertise and experience in the chosen topic. The Forum is the result of a cooperation between the European Commission and the European Economic and Social Committee.
