The Red Cross EU Office has the pleasure to invite you to the launch of its new booklet: "Moving forward together - Red Cross approach to the social inclusion of migrants". The event is kindly hosted by the European Economic and Social Committee.

At the EU level, current discussions around the reform of the Common European Asylum System (more specifically the qualification regulation) and the status to be granted to beneficiaries of international protection, raises several concerns about the impact that these legislative changes will have on social inclusion prospects. Indeed, the introduction of a compulsory review of international protection status risks jeopardising the integration chances of many people due to the instability that it will create. Simultaneously, at the national level, several Member States are tightening their legislation on family reunification. By making it more difficult for separated families to be reunited, it is harder for migrants to engage in most aspects of the social inclusion process.

In view of these recent changes, panellists will discuss the importance of developing inclusive and forward-looking migration and asylum policies that enhance the social inclusion of migrants. In addition, the event will shed light on some of the good practices implemented by National Red Cross Societies across Europe. These initiatives seek to create opportunities for migrants to actively participate in all aspects of life, including civic, social and economic activities.

Venue: EESC, Room VMA3, Rue Van Maerlant 2, Brussels
Tuesday 27 February 2018, 10.30 - 12.30

As space will be limited, we encourage you to register at the earliest opportunity. The deadline for registration is 21 February 2018 at 11.00.

For any questions related to the event please contact Ms Sabrina Le Noach by e-mail (sabrina.lenoach@redcross.eu) or by telephone (+32(0)2 235 06 87).

Agenda

10.00-10.30 Registration and welcome coffee

10:30 Introduction - José Antonio Moreno Díaz, European Economic and Social Committee

10.45 Making EU asylum and migration policies conducive to social inclusion

• Presentation of the booklet "Moving forward together" - Mariana Stoyanova, Bulgarian Red Cross

• Priorities of the Bulgarian Presidency in the field of social inclusion of migrants - Desislava Ivanova, Bulgarian Presidency

• Impact of the reform of the Common European Asylum System on social inclusion prospects - Catherine Woollard, European Council on Refugees and Exiles
  

• Family unity as a prerequisite for social inclusion of migrants - Jillian McBride, British Red Cross -Glasgow Branch

11.50 Questions and answers

12.20 Closing remarks

12.30 – 13.30 Networking lunch

Photos/videos will be taken during this event, which may or may not include your image. If you do not wish to have us use your image, please advise us by e-mail.