From 12 to 15 February 2026 took place in Lublin / Poland a seminar about “Supporting migrants and refugees in the European labour market – challenges for workers' organisations”, organised by Europejski Dom Spotkań - Fundacja Nowy Staw, with the support of EZA and funded by the European Union. Representatives of workers’ organisations from Poland, Portugal, Albania, Spain, Slovakia, Belgium, Italy, North Macedonia, France, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Ukraine participated in the seminar.
IMPORTANCE OF THE SEMINAR
The richness of the panel discussions was made possible by the participation of speakers representing various labour market circles: trade unions, NGOs working on behalf of refugees and migrants, universities, companies employing migrants. These panels included people from different parts of Europe measuring the problems and challenges of the labour market for migrants and refugees.
The main aim of the planned seminar was a discussion about current situation of migrants and refugees in the European labour market and the role of workers’ organisations in supporting them in the educational and professional activation and stabilisation.
This seminar provided an opportunity to share experiences of working with refugees, good practices related to surrounding them with care and support in professional activation, as well as the challenges and tasks facing Europe in this dimension. Crucial was the process of seeking answers during the seminar to the questions: what can we do for refugees as representatives of labour organizations? What are the challenges facing the European Union? What does our solidarity with refugees and migrants seeking better living conditions in our countries look like? What can we do for them?
MAIN TOPICS DISCUSSED DURING THE SEMINAR AND USED METHODS
During this 2-days seminar speakers and seminar audience could exchange knowledge and reflections connected with different aspects of the situation of migrants and refugees in Europe. The following topics were discussed:
the current situation of migrants and refugees in the field of employment and education
contemporary problems and challenges of socio-occupational integration for refugees and migrants
assessment of the potential and benefits of accepting migrants and refugees in EU countries
good practices for receiving and supporting migrants and refugees in host countries - examples of systemic solutions, strategies and initiatives undertaken by workers organisations
the role of trade unions and NGO organisations in integration of migrants and refugees on the labour market and protection their worker’s rights
value of work and human capital of migrants and refugees in the context of catholic social teaching
need for psychological support and principles for supporting people in the migrant and refugee crisis – the role of both professional and informal support from the community
value of migrant labour in depopulating countries and needed legal solutions
the role of the Catholic Church as a source of help and support for migrants and refugees in countries was repeatedly emphasised.
Seminar was largely in the form of a debate, in which speakers were able to address the topic of discussion in their presentation by contributing a high level of substantive value. Most of the presentations were in graphic form - which enabled better concentration on the presented content. Each panel was followed by a session of questions and comments. Programme ended with workshops during which participants could speak up and propose their recommendations, solutions and ideas for supporting migrants and refugees in the labour market, both locally in their own countries and at European level.
MAIN CONLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ARISING FROM THE SEMINAR:
During our discussion panels and the workshops following conclusions and recommendations have been developed:
Need of education from an early age: Introduction into the subject of the history of the world, culture, religion, ethnicity, geography, diversity – “let’s begin in schools, let’s begin with the youth”
Europe needs immigration, some countries introduce strict laws concerning migrants and we should work together to change this situation. We should make this law humane
Recommendation of postgraduate studies in intercultural education: How to talk to local communities about migration? How to shape institutional sensitivity? Amendment of the law and regulations concerning migrants. Currently, the mood is anti-immigrant, because it is fashionable, especially during election campaigns, it needs to be changed.
No limits to migrants especially Ukrainian ones, do not limit help and do not implement law which disables migrants to work abroad
Continuing to help and provide support to migrants from Ukraine is needed, we cannot create camps and restrict the movement of people from country to country. No one should be forcibly relocated.
Encourage locals to change their approach to migrants. Changing the attitude of the inhabitants of the countries towards foreigners (foreigners are an incendiary)
We do not limit access to housing or language, we must develop a wise migration policy
Need to improve the quality of life and housing conditions for economic migrants – Europe needs immigrants to cope with falling birth rates and an ageing population.
Need to introduce inclusive coordination policies that would support migrants and refugees in our labour markets
Need to strengthen European cooperation in order to address demographic challenges - common European migration policy
Strengthen cooperation and dialogue among European countries to help refugees and build an attitude of acceptance and sensitivity to their needs
Fair solutions based on Christian values are needed; appreciating diversity
Clear, universal criteria for the recognition of professional qualifications are needed
Education is needed for both employees and employers – legal and cultural
Need to develop new ways of managing migration
Need to change climate policy due to the growing number of climate refugees – something we tend to forget
Adapting the education system for refugees and migrants, introducing a clear rule of integration policy and strengthening migrants' participation in society
Migration policy must be implemented within the framework of government and local government activities, in cooperation with employers who hire foreign nationals. The voice of trade unions is also important. At the same time, it is important to protect the labour market, economic competitiveness, social cohesion and full compliance with workers' rights.
Need for equal treatment – in terms of wages, access to education, healthcare and other social rights, regardless of origin – the need to establish a sound, universal social policy
Need to develop appropriate and functional models for working with refugees at the general (legal) and local levels (practical, daily work of state institutions and NGOs)
We should talk about transculturalism rather than integration and assimilation of migrants – changing our mindset
Emphasised role of building strong workers' organizations in order to interact with refugees and protect their labour rights by organizing training courses, social campaigns, legal assistance, psychological support, and the fight for decent working conditions and wages
It is important to match education, experience and certificates in individual countries so as not to waste human potential. EU countries benefit from the migrant workforce due to their ageing populations
Need to combat human trafficking - a phenomenon occurring in many European countries
Respect for human rights, human solidarity but it was also emphasised that migrants must respect the rules of the host country
Preventing the marginalisation of migrants (housing policy, language learning, vocational training, intercultural education, recognition of professional qualifications)
Managing misinformation – basing public debate on reliable data and information, not on fear