Berlin – ESI on migration diplomacy at German EU ambassadors conference

Photo: ESI

ESI's Gerald Knaus participated in a panel discussion on European migration policy at the annual EU Ambassador Conference of the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The panel was opened by Anke Meyer, the EU Coordinator and EU Policy Officer at the German MFA, who introduced Joachim Stamp, the German Government's Special Envoy for Migration Agreements. Stamp gave an impulse speech on the challenges and opportunities of European migration policy in light of the values and interests of the EU and its member states.

Gerald then presented his views on how to balance the humanitarian and security aspects of migration, drawing on ESI's research and advocacy. He argued that the EU should pursue a pragmatic and effective approach that combines protection, resettlement, return and cooperation with third countries. He also highlighted the need for more solidarity and responsibility-sharing among EU member states and with countries hosting large numbers of refugees.

The panel was followed by a lively discussion with the participants, who were the heads of the German diplomatic missions in the EU member states and at the EU level. The participants raised questions and comments on various topics related to migration policy, such as legal pathways, integration, border management, human rights, and regional cooperation.

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Later that day, Gerald and ESI analyst Yusuf Tatli met the migration and global policy unit at the German Chancellery to discuss migration policy, EU enlargement in the Western Balkans, and Kosovo's bid for membership in the Council of Europe.