Low-skilled migrant workers & social cohesion in Europe

The experiences of Germany, Greece, Ireland and Spain

This closed-door workshop, organized by the Foundation for European Progressive Studies, in cooperation with the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung EU Office and TASC, follows a first roundtable that was held in Brussels in May 2019 and designed to bring relevant stakeholders and experts together in a discussion about the social inclusion of low-skill immigrants in the EU, particularly those employed in the agriculture and social care sectors. The goal of the meeting was to discuss the extent to which working conditions in low-skilled occupations can undermine rather than promote the social inclusion of migrants in the hosting societies and to inform subsequent expert inquiries in four European countries, namely Germany, Ireland, Spain and Greece.

This second gathering will involve participants in a discussion on the first findings of the research, which will be completed in mid-2020. The debate will revolve around the legislation, working and living conditions and access to public services in the countries analysed and will aim to identify policies and instruments to support low-skilled migrant workers in society. A report based on the inquiries and on the substance of the roundtable conversation will be prepared by FEPS and TASC and presented in Brussels in February 2020.

This is closed-door meeting.