On 1-2 September a seminar dedicated to migration policy took place in Athens. Organized by the Civic School of Political Studies in Greece, Symbiosis and supported by ALDA and the LADDER project, it gathered multiple stakeholders to participate in a dialogue, assessing refugee reception efforts in Greece since 2015, when the arrivals surged dramatically.

Two major issues have been on the agenda: refugee protection, reception and integration in the frontline cities, and education for asylum seekers and refugees. National and local public authorities and civil society organizations’ representatives discussed the ongoing reception efforts as well as current and future challenges of the integration of migrants. Nikos Gamouras, PM of LADDER, contributed to the discussion stressing the importance of raising the awareness of citizens and local stakeholders as well as and providing accurate data fighting stereotypes and misinformation about global challenges such as the refugee flows.

Previously, ALDA and the LADDER consortium adopted, some recommendations following the “Migration Initiative” with the aim of addressing this issue. An extensive survey has been conducted within the initiative, which is available HERE

The role of local authorities in a decentralized cooperation must be enhanced and supported with initiatives involving: informal education, emergency help and waste management. In this context the needs of both residents and migrants must be heard and addressed. Deeper cooperation and coordination has previously been established with the Municipality of Chios and ALDA, the Conseil de Mallorca & the Fons Mallorqui in order to challenge these issues. More information at THIS LINK

EU and developing countries must not turn a blind eye to the underlying causes of migration. The deep and long-term causes of migration must be addressed with courage and determination by increasing their support to development assistance, resolution and governance in conflict areas.

Positive effects can be produced if migrant are recognized as development agents: reducing the transaction costs of remittances and enhancing diaspora engagement, as social investors and entrepreneurs and as agents of change and actors for social justice. This would reflect the acknowledgement of migrants and diasporas’ contribution to sustainable development in both their countries of origin and destination, as agreed in the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.