On June 20, we mark World Refugee Day. A year into the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of refugee inclusion has never been so urgent. The EU’s message is clear: no one is safe, until we are all safe.
The EU fully supports the Geneva Convention and EU law guarantees the fundamental right to asylum. Europe will continue to welcome those forced to flee. European funds go towards helping their inclusion in our societies. This includes improving access to healthcare for refugees and training healthcare professionals to reduce barriers. This approach is reflected in the New Pact on Migration and Asylum, which recognises both the support needed to integrate refugees into their host societies in Europe and the benefits that refugee populations bring to our communities.
Better integration
To promote better integration and inclusion of refugees, the Commission is funding a number of initiatives that support inclusive education and training, improve employment opportunities and skills recognition; promote effective access to health and mental health services and affordable housing; and support local authorities and civil society to define and implement integration policies that engage both host and refugee communities.
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Support inclusive education and training |
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Improve employment opportunities and skills recognition to value the contribution of migrants. |
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Promote effective access to health and mental health services and affordable housing |
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| Build capacity of local authorities and civil society to define and implement integration policies and finance projects to promote the engagement of host and migrant communities. |
Faster determination for people in need of international protection
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| New Pre-entry screening for quick procedures for people entering the EU to rapidly identify health issues or vulnerabilities | Reform the proposal for a new Asylum Procedure Regulation to ensure an even more efficient and fair system |
Strengthened EU Asylum
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Resettlement and other legal pathways to protection
| More than 80,000 people have found shelter in the EU through EU-supported resettlement programmes. These programmes will continue in the years to come. In addition, the Commission is supporting humanitarian admission and other complementary pathways for people in need of international protection. |
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| Encourage Member States to involve civil society and local communities to play an active role in the reception and integration of newcomers, for example through community sponsorship programmes. |
Partnership with other countries
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Video testimonials
Here are the stories of three refugees who found a home in Europe:
For more information
Details
- Publication date
- 18 June 2021