Activities of Georgios PAPANIKOLAOU related to 2012/2131(INI)
Plenary speeches (1)
Integration of migrants, its effects on the labour market and the external dimension of social security coordination (debate)
Amendments (7)
Amendment 4 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. When discussing new immigration, it is not sufficient to refer to a shortage of labour in the EU and an ageing European population. It is also necessary to ascertain the maximum absorption capacity of the EU Member States for new immigration. In many Member States, particularly in Western Europe, that capacity has already lo, especially with regard to the specialties and qualifications for which Europe has a greater need, also taking since been exceeded. Moreover, the first priority should be to seek to find employment for the foreigners already present, rather than allowing new immigrants to swell their ranksto account concerns relating primarily to the employment of EU citizens who possess the required qualifications; meanwhile, particular attention should be given to the impact (economic and social) of the new immigration on Member States from which there is a significant outflow of young people, owing to the economic crisis;.
Amendment 17 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. It is counterfactual to present new immigration as something which only confers benefits. Recent research in the Netherlands1 estimates the cost of immigration to be at least €7 billion per annum. The arrival of unskilled new immigrants, in particular, imposes a heavy burden on social security systems. Meanwhile, such schemes as family reunification and immigration for purposes of study are clearlyshould not be abused toand/or provide an extra channel for immigration.
Amendment 22 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
Amendment 30 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. It is necessary to distinguish clearly between legal and illegal immigration. Illegal immigrants voluntarily opt to ignore the law, and should therefore be identified and deported. Any attempt to argue in favour of supporting and regularising illegal migrants undermines democratic acceptance of thtion is being treated in accordance with existing EU legislation, and, in any case, with due presence of migrants in the EUgard to human rights.
Amendment 33 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Insists that the European Union must make a distinction when it comes to immigration: while providing for a clear, fair and transparent EU asylum policy, uncontrolled mass influx of irregular migrants must be tackled by a robust return policy that respects fundamental rights. Possible demographic changes should only be addressed by controlled, targeted and labour market focused legal, economical migration and not via mass regularisations of irregular migrants
Amendment 37 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Recalls that integration is a continuous two way process requiring the involvement of both third country nationals and the host society. Welcomes the many good practice examples, across the EU, of the integration of migrants, asylum seekers and beneficiaries of international protection, often through projects carried out by local authorities, who play a key role in delivering on integration objectives.
Amendment 42 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4 b. Recalls the EU's Common basic Principles on Immigrants Integration (CBPs). Regrets that Member States are not currently using the European Integration Fund to its full potential, and recalls that the aim of the fund is to support Member State's actions to implement the CBPs.