In 2015, more than a million people did apply for asylum in the European Union. Investments in employment and training measures are an essential factor for enabling the social inclusion of refugees into society. The Committee on Employment and Social Affairs therefore adopted initial recommendations as to how this may succeed.

The report and the role of the Chamber of Labour

In the adopted report, MEPs demand that on the one hand, Member States integrate refugees into the labour market and adopt measures on the other, which shall drive forward social inclusion. The report also mentions access to suitable housing, healthcare and social protection as well as language courses, training courses and the recognition of already gained qualifications. In return, individual states shall have the possibility to exclude funds additionally spent for this purpose from the structural budget deficit.

The Chamber of Labour too, has made strong contributions to this debate and a demand that when the Multiannual Financial Framework is being reviewed, a share of at least 25 percent of the budget funds shall be raised for cohesion policy, now forms part of this report. However, a vital element is missing, namely that the European Social Fund will be increased by a further 10 billion Euro in order to support one million people with regard to their integration into the labour market, based on newly defined indicators, such as the number of refugees accepted by a Member State, as well as the type and quality of labour market measures. One of the examples for this demand is the Youth Employment Initiative.

Further information:

Draft Report (available only in English)

Amendments Part I (available only in English)

Amendments Part II (available only in English)