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Immigration and population growth in Europe. Immigration as a future solution against advancing depopulation? Labour, economic and social conditions to ensure secure and permanent residence of immigrant workers in increasingly depopulated areas

The international seminar on the topic “Immigration and population growth in Europe. Immigration as a future solution against advancing depopulation? Labour, economic and social conditions to ensure secure and permanent residence of immigrant workers in increasingly depopulated areas” was held on July 24, 25 and 26, 2020 in Atienza (Guadalajara - Spain), organised by CEAT (Spanish Centre for Workers' Affairs) in cooperation with the International Platform for Cooperation and Migration (PICM) and with the support of EZA and the European Union.

45 representatives on-site of workers' organizations from Spain, Italy and Portugal participated as well as 10 by videoconference from Albania, Italy, Poland, Portugal and Spain.

The opening session began with a welcoming greeting by the President of CEAT Mr. David Cervera Olivares and the Co-president of EZA Mr. Piergorgio Sciaqua and Ms. María Reina Martin, Vice-president of the PICM (International Platform for Cooperation and Migration).

RELEVANT CONCLUSIONS OF THE SEMINAR

The most relevant conclusion of the seminar is the vision that must be had regarding emptied villages and the pejorative term that this generates, modifying this terminology to "villages with a future". Villages must be kept alive because their disappearance means the end of many things. In this way, it was established that there is no town without a future, only towns without projects.

On the other hand, it should be noted that due to the situation of the COVID-19 pandemic, the participation of the representatives that appear in the program and were unable to attend in person, was done through videoconference.

Despite being in a rural area with poor telematic networks, there were no problems in making connections with participants who attended by videoconference.

The framework presentation began with a recorded message from Mr. Antonio Pablo González Terol National Deputy who spoke about depopulation and its processes, thanking CEAT for the support and interest in the areas with depopulation. He showed his firm commitment to a state pact for the sustainability of all city councils and the fight against depopulation so that every citizen has the same opportunities regardless of the area in which he lives.

Then Senator Ms. Ana María González García (present) spoke about the depopulation processes in the northern areas of Guadalajara and the disappearance of some of these towns as a result of emigration due to lack of social, health and educational resources for its inhabitants towards larger urban centres. She also showed some possibilities to recover these emptied towns through immigration by supporting the family environment of immigrants.

Another noteworthy presentation was made by the director of the Sigüenza ACCEM Immigrant Reception Centre, Ms. Ana Belén Sanz. His presentation was based on real cases of immigrant families who work in rural populations where they seek employment and that are managed by ACCEM, the organizations’ main objective is to defend the fundamental rights of the population at risk of social exclusion, providing care and support.

Also of interest was the presentation by Mr. José Manuel Latre Roblet who provided data on the rural towns of Sigüenza and Atienza from his knowledge as Mayor and President of the Local Council. He spoke about job opportunities, the circular and local economy to activate short marketing circuits to promote generational renewal, maintaining and generating jobs with decent wages and thus providing services that support families.

From CEAT we consider this seminar of great relevance because it is the first that has been held in a blended format with direct connection with various participants. It has been a great success and the connections worked without problems, which motivates us to continue with this type of activities in a blended way, not losing the essence of working in close proximity, but accommodating those members of EZA organizations who cannot participate. in person. It is especially relevant given that it was carried out in a rural area and the participants were able to listen to real situations of the actors who live day by day in these towns learning from a reality that is sometimes ignored.

The discussion was about:

Depopulation and knowledge of rural areas threatened by depopulation.

Immigration and emigration in the rural areas.

Alternatives and jobs in these unpopulated environments. Teleworking.

RESULT OF THESE DISCUSSIONS

The participants throughout the interventions and the debate with the participants highlighted the importance of investment through European funds and rural development groups. It is also important that these areas have fibre optic internet connectivity to facilitate other alternatives to the traditional ones and teleworking. It is essential that in these areas services are improved (health, education and transport) and that a reduction of taxes be planned since the tax load is the same as those in large cities in many cases. On the other hand, it is necessary to maintain and recover traditional activities, specifically for example in the area in which the seminar was held: beekeeping, truffle farming, livestock, resin collection, mycology, and others.

We concluded that the rural citizen should have the same opportunities as the urban areas and that city and country need each other. It is important to conserve the natural and cultural heritage. On the other hand, the importance of incorporating and welcoming the immigrant population was highlighted. It should be noted that the pandemic, despite all the bad things that it has brought, has allowed the rural environment to be strengthened, as many workers have opted for these second residence locations to carry out telework. We will see how this new opportunity evolves.