Migration and development in Europe and in other regions of the world are more closely linked than commonly believed, shows the publication Common Home: migration and development in Europe and beyond, according to a new report from Caritas Europa.
This publication aims at promoting a more balanced and evidence-based debate at a time when migration has become a deeply contentious issue in Europe. Particularly, it raises awareness about the positive aspects that migration can have at the global level and its relation to sustainable international cooperation.
It puts forward 27 specific recommendations to EU policy-makers. This publication is based on the findings, testimonies and good practices of the other 11 publications of the Common Home series, national studies covering: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Germany (Bavaria), Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Sweden. It is also based on the analysis of European and international statistical databases and literature.
“In Caritas’ view, under the right conditions, migration can contribute to the integral human development of migrants and of members of both countries of destination and countries of origin,” said Maria Nyman, Caritas Europa Secretary-General.
The publication’s recommendations to policy-makers are grouped under three main points:
- Change the negative discourse on migration, counter rising hostility and harmful attitudes toward migrants and migration.
- Maximize the development potential of migration and enhance migrants’ integral human development in countries of destination.
- Maximize the development potential of migration, enhance opportunities for migrants to be able to contribute to countries of origin, and ensure a virtuous circle between migrations and development.
The Common Home series, of which the European publication is the last issue, was produced in the frame of the MIND project.
