Vienna, Austria, October 10-112023 – The Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) actively participated in the Vienna Migration Conference 2023 (VMC2023), organized in Vienna by the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD). This event served as a pivotal platform for global experts and decision-makers to engage in comprehensive discussions on contemporary migration trends and challenges.
The conference, now in its 8th edition, featured high-level officials from the European Commission, UNHCR, FRONTEX, and the Spanish Presidency of the EU. Representatives from several EU Member states, think-tanks, civil society, and the private sector also shared their insights during the two-day event.
Represented by Hon. Pedro Roque and Amb. Peter Schatzer, PAM contributed to the discussions that included labour migration dynamics, the future of work markets amidst rapid urban transformations, policy dilemmas between managing borders and ensuring the safety of people on the move, and the progress made by new initiatives, cooperation, and partnerships.
Key topics included the urgent need for a reformed and comprehensive migration and asylum system in Europe, striking a balance between Human Rights and border control, as well as ensuring legal pathways for orderly and safe migration. Progress to date on the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum was shared, emphasizing the importance of constructive discussions and cooperation with countries of origin and transit.
Additionally, the conference addressed demographic changes in Europe and the existing shortages for skilled and semi-skilled workers. Participants explored the use of new technologies to efficiently combat trafficking in human beings, a pressing concern in the Euro-Mediterranean and Gulf regions.
PAM stands committed to advocating for legal pathways, saving lives, and ensuring the protection of migrants’ rights in the face of complex challenges.
Furthermore, PAM has intensified efforts to combat human trafficking and migrant smuggling, collaborating closely with UNODC and the OSCE. At the request of its President, Sen. Enaam Mayara of Morocco, PAM is working at a campaign focused on raising awareness about trafficking in human beings and smuggling of migrants. //