1 Pierluigi Brombo, Responsible for Justice, freedom and security issues European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) - UE.

2 Pierluigi Brombo, Responsible for Justice, freedom and security issues European Economic and Social Committee EU institution representing civil society organisations, according to the Treaty Consultative assembly made of social partners and associations/organisations Consulted by Comm, EP and Council, plus own-initiative opinions

3 In general, no representation and no political role for the immigrants in the EU Specifically in the elaboration of immigration and integration policies no voice at all given to immigrants Little attention given to the organisations of the civil society that deal with immigration Lack of immigrants’ organisations at European level National organisations are divided and problem of representation (who represent what?)

4 Set up in 1991, founded by the EU, composed of around 130 organisations < 12 States It failed because: - Difficulties to find a common ground and define a common agenda -Extreme competition among various organisations either on the basis of the country of origin or of residence -Very different approaches towards integration models

5 Decided in the 2005 JHA Council conclusions but still not entered into force in 2007 when… The Commission, in charge of its settlement, asked the EESC to reflect on the elements for the structure, organisation and functioning Opinion adopted in July 2008, after a preparatory conference with stakeholders, co-organised with Commis. First meeting of the Forum will take place in April 2009 (together with launch of web site)

6 Advisory role and elaboration of reports Exchange of know-how and best practices among national realities and different levels (local/national/EU) Stakeholders’ involvement in the integration policies’ elaboration and launch of ideas & propositions in the policy arena Helping creation of European level organisations No immigrants’ representation mechanism

7 +/-100 participants Appointed by the Commission at the proposal of the EESC European organisations From the national fora or national ESCs with special focus on the national immigrants ’ organisations + observers/experts/E U institutions’ representatives

8 2 annual meetings Elaboration of reports on the integration website Consulted by the Commission, EP and the Council Own-initiative reports Agenda on the basis of the Common Basic Principles

9 Thank you for your attention...