Event: Solidarity cities reshaping migration in Europe. 10—11 October 2023, Brussels

Heading into the 2024 Elections – Solidarity cities reshaping migration in Europe

The reform of the Common European Asylum System is in full swing. If enacted, this legislative proposal would have a serious impact on the individual right to asylum. In contrast, cities across Europe are on the frontline, doing the lion's share of the integration work. In recent years, they have joined forces in city networks to advocate for a progressive, human rights-based approach to migration policy in the EU.

In order to include local perspectives more strongly in the shaping of EU migration policy, Moving Cities invited solidarity cities from 7 European countries for a two-day political discussion and networking event in Brussels on 10–11 October. Ahead of the 2024 EU Elections, the event created a space for high-ranking local politicians, city officials and city networks, including the International Alliance of Safe Harbours (IASH) and the National Association of Welcoming Cities and Territories (ANVITA) to form alliances with members of the European Parliament and the EU Commission.

City officials and staff from Amsterdam, Berlin, Cascais, Ghent, Liège, Munich, Utrecht, Villeurbanne, Wroclaw, and Zagreb strongly advocated for a strategic shift in EU migration policy to be more welcoming and left a clear message: Another migration policy is possible!

The event was hosted by Moving Cities and the EU-funded project Cities4Refugees in cooperation with the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union, the Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung Brussels and the Berlin Governance Platform with the vital support of the civil society network From the Sea to the City.

Program

Press release