International Cooperation, Labour Migration and Development Impact
Christoph Schumacher
North Africa and Europe
. North Africa and Europe are geographical neighbours. Both share a long common history which shall facilitate a mutual understanding North Africa and Europe share a natural and reciprocative partnership Both sides can profit – it is a win-win situation North Africa and Europe
The European Neighbourhood Policy • The Treaty on European Union designs the aim to develop a special relationship with neighbouring countries in order to establish an area of prosperity and good neighbourliness, based on the values of the EU. The EU may conclude specific agreements with the neighbour countries in regard; with mutual rights and obligations
North Africa and Europe
Objective: Establishment of an area of prosperity and good neighbourliness . Privileged Partnership . Mutual commitment to values and principles such as good governance, market economy, increasing mobility, enhancement of contact between the peoples . Development of a thriving civil society - including the Social Partners North Africa and Europe
Implementation of partnership and cooperation agreements in areas such as
• employment and social policy including the decent work agenda, migration and education
North Africa and Europe
Sustainable and Social Development as key issues • More inclusive growth • Creation of jobs – especially for the youth • Establishment of a dialog on employment and social policy • Improvement of social protection • Better management of labour migration and mobility North Africa and Europe
Mobility Partnership • Well managed migration of persons can be of mutual benefit for both North Africa and Europe • Elements of a Mobility Partnership: Assisting partner countries in improvement of labour migration management (recruitment; vocational and language training; recognition
North Africa and Europe of skills; reintegration of migrants
School partnerships – Erasmus - Mobility of students Circular migration
. Launching of negotiations with Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt North Africa and Europe
Social Security and Migration
. Association treaties – Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia . Single permit directive – Equal treatment and export of pensions to third countries . Blue card – Access of highly qualified migrants to the European labour market North Africa and Europe
Questions for debate:
1. For young job seekers in North Africa, migration may often seem a last resort. Do you support the neighbourhood policy that proposes the establishment of mobility partnerships between North African countries and EU member countries? North Africa and Europe
2. The extension of social protection to cover informal employment is an important political objective. The social protection floor should be developed in the conetxt of each country. Do you agree that social protection can help to establish a more stable socioeconomic environment? North Africa and Europe
3. The mobility partnership should include a package of capacity building tools to be implemented in the partner countries. What are the necessary steps to achieve this objective?