An International Conference on the Economic and Social Aspects of Migration, jointly organised by the European Commission and the OECD, took place in Brussels on 21 and 22 January 2003. This conference analysed the social and economic challenges of migration in relation to the demographic structure and the economic situation of OECD Member countries, as well as labour market needs, and the prospects for the integration of immigrants and equal opportunities.
The conference provided the opportunity to identify the implications for future migration policies of the economic and social dimensions of migration. Using a comparative approach between European and non-European OECD Member countries, the role that migration could play in alleviating labour shortages and the best practices in the successful integration of immigrants were highlighted, including the fundamental role played by women. The participants agreed on the need to improve communication, in order to better inform the public on the costs and benefits of immigration, to allow them to understand the grounds for the policies implemented by governments.
The European Commission and the OECD have decided to publish on their respective websites the documents presented during the conference, as well as a synthesis report of the discussions. The opening speeches, the conclusions of the meeting and the closing remarks are also included. The table of contents contains links with all these documents as well as the programme of the conference.
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