Following the peak in irregular migration in 2015–2016 and given the stalemate over reforming the bloc’s asylum system, EU policymaking and debate has largely focused on strengthening border controls, increasing migrant returns, and curbing arrivals. Actions have been taken to engage with migrant-sending and transit countries to tackle the drivers, or “push factors,” of displacement and mobility, but much less has been done to tackle the “pull factors” for irregular migration to the European Union, despite efforts by the European Commission and others. These factors include the demand for migrant labor in key sectors of member states’ economies such as agriculture.

While the European Union and member states have taken legislative action to crack down on undeclared work, a coordinated drive to address the production system in a way that places labor rights at the heart of policymaking has thus far been lacking.

This event marks the launch of the report Is Italian Agriculture a “Pull Factor” for Irregular Migration—and, if so, Why?, authored by a team of researchers coordinated by the European University Institute’s Global Governance Program. The report analyzes the role of EU and Italian migration, asylum, anti-trafficking, labor, and agricultural policies, showcases good practices from the private sector, and includes comparative references to similar dynamics in Greece and Spain. Finally, recommendations to EU and national policymakers lay out ideas for a sustainable system which would benefit workers, producers, and consumers alike.  

 

Speakers

 

Please RSVP to marianna.lianantonaki@opensocietyfoundations.org to attend this event