Reinforcing development cooperation to address irregular population movements and their root causes in partner countries
The European Parliament adopted by 344 votes to 237, with 66 abstentions, a resolution on reinforcing development cooperation to address irregular population movements and their root causes in partner countries.
Interlinkages between migration and development cooperation
Parliament underlined the interlinkage between migration and development cooperation and called on the Commission and Member States to continue to commit to policy coherence for development in its migration policies, in full respect of human rights and the UN 2030 Agenda.
The resolution stressed that development cooperation should prioritise the eradication of poverty, the reduction of inequalities and sustainable development in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), conflict prevention and peacebuilding, while favouring long-term investments based on the development priorities of partner countries, particularly with regard to addressing the root causes of irregular migration and forced displacement.
The Commission is urged to apply a human-rights-based, gender-responsive and vulnerability-sensitive approach in development programmes (persons with disabilities, older people, marginalised communities and women, girls and young people).
Members stressed the importance of a "Team Europe" approach, which ensures coherence between EU institutions and Member States working on the external dimension of migration. The "Global Gateway" strategy can also play a crucial role in promoting sustainable economic development and job creation in partner countries.
Parliament called on the Commission and Member States to intensify political dialogue with third countries to strengthen and develop, on a country-by-country basis, comprehensive and mutually beneficial strategies that take into account the specific contexts and development and migration needs of countries of origin and transit.
Sustainable management of natural resources
Water scarcity, environmental and land degradation, deforestation, and other climate-related disasters are contributing factors to migration flows. The Commission and Member States are urged to prioritise investments in the sustainable management of natural resources within development programmes to strengthen social cohesion and community resilience. The EU must adopt a comprehensive approach, focusing on the local level while supporting democracy, the rule of law, rules-based order, and institutions, to achieve a lasting impact.
Combating migrant smuggling
Parliament stressed the need to combat migrant smuggling and human trafficking by strengthening international and multilateral cooperation with partner countries on crime prevention, victim protection, enhanced law enforcement, prosecution of perpetrators, and preventing the exploitation of migrants by criminal networks and smugglers. It also emphasised the need to offer safer alternatives through the creation of legal pathways for safe and regular migration and labour mobility. The Commission and Member States are urged to strengthen their capacity to prevent and address the exploitation of migrants.
Funding
Parliament stressed that public development funding is essential for partner countries and that private investment can contribute to achieving the EU's development policy objectives. Similarly, achieving the SDGs is crucial for improving livelihoods in third countries.
Members strongly criticised the drastic cuts to ODA made by major global donors and called on the EU and its Member States to respect their commitment to dedicate 0.7% of gross national income to ODA.
Parliament further emphasised:
- the role of agricultural and rural development, as well as food and nutrition policy, in addressing some of the root causes of migration;
- the need for the Commission to increase its support for higher education institutions as well as technical and vocational education and training in partner countries to address the root causes of migration;
- the importance of (i) considering Union talent partnerships with more third countries, particularly those experiencing high levels of emigration, (ii) directing Union funds towards local entrepreneurship and public infrastructure, and (iii) supporting exchange schemes such as Erasmus+ and other youth mobility and skills schemes;
- the continuation of work in the field of quality education and training systems, by addressing the issue of brain drain through the development policy framework and funding.
Lastly, Parliament called on the Commission and Member States to invest in awareness campaigns to fight disinformation, disseminate information on the risks of irregular immigration and promote understanding of EU rules on labour migration obligations.