Migration represents an opportunity as well as a challenge for the European Union, but opportunities cannot be effectively seized and challenges adequately faced unless the European Union is united in its approach. Root causes that are forcing people to leave their countries must be tackled, effective legal pathways need to be established and irregular migration needs to be addressed. The fight against human smuggling and trafficking should be reinforced and we must step up the efforts and investments in the integration of those refugees and other migrants who have the right to stay. Migration is a global issue that requires a multilateral and multilevel approach. We need to foster a positive vision on migration.

The PES is making a stand to govern migration and turn disorderly migration into orderly migration. 

Few topics are as divisive today as migration. But when migration is well managed, we can make it work for all. As Socialists and Democrats we promote progressive policies on asylum and migration, which protect human lives, human rights and help those fleeing from violence and unbearable living conditions alike. We address the root causes pushing people to leave their home countries, such as violation of human rights, inequality, poverty, a lack of future perspectives, conflict and climate change. We support pathways for legal and managed migration, we address irregular migration and we firmly promote effective integration policies. Unilateralism and infiammatory rhetoric are not the answer to manage migration.