The 21st meeting of the Council of Europe’s Coordination Group on Migration (CGM) event showcased strong cooperation between the Council of Europe and leading international institutions, including the EU Agency for Asylum (EUAA), the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Held within the mandate of Council of Europe’s Division on Migration and Refugees (DMR), the meeting reaffirmed the Council of Europe’s commitment to upholding the rights of migrants and refugees by unveiling its draft Action Plan on Migration and Refugees (2026–2029).
Opening the session, Nikolaos Sitaropoulos, Head of the Division on Migration and Refugees, emphasised the importance of multilateral collaboration in addressing the challenges of migration.
François Deleu, Fundamental Rights Officer of the EUAA, outlined the critical intersections between the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum and the Council of Europe’s new Action Plan, stressing the need for coherence in upholding fundamental rights across Europe.
Arthur Erken, Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia at the IOM, shared insights into the IOM's initiatives that align with and reinforce the Action Plan’s goals.
Andreas Wissner, UNHCR Representative to the European Institutions, highlighted UNHCR's ongoing efforts to safeguard the rights of refugees, particularly through access to protection mechanisms and durable solutions.
A detailed discussion followed on the four pillars of the draft Action Plan:
- Protection of human rights at borders and during procedures
- Ensuring effective access to justice and human rights protection
- Safeguarding and promoting social rights
- Fostering social integration with special attention to vulnerable groups
DMR will continue consultations aimed at discussing further refinements of the draft Action Plan.
