On 22-23 September CIVEX held its external meeting in Oviedo, Spain. The main topics on the agenda concerned the EU proposals for a common European asylum system, legal migration and the action plan on integration of third country nationals.
The members also voted upon the REFIT programme which aims at cutting the administrative burden and regulatory costs of EU legislation.
The opinion on integration of third country nationals drafted by Karl Vanlouwe, member of the Flemish Parliament and EA group coordinator in the CIVEX commission, was adopted by overwhelming majority.
During the presentation Karl Vanlouwe added: Language skills are a priority to fully integrate legal newcomers into our society. We have to focus on community-building through tailor-made civic integration. European norms and values are crucial, and we should defend them actively. Integration and civic integration should be based upon rights and obligations, both for newcomers and the host community.
Moreover, during the meeting the EA member Declan McDonnell had the opportunity to report on past election observation mission to Serbia. While the assessment was positive, there is room for improvement, especially on aspects related to secrecy of the vote, gender balance and access to voting for disabled people, he said.
The CIVEX meeting was followed on 23 September by a conference on promoting EU citizenship, rights, values and involvement.
