As the migration crisis continues to reshape the European continent, a group of young Catholics is calling on political leaders to pursue just and compassionate solutions rooted in the Church’s social teaching and Christian heritage.
In a written contribution published this month by the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) Youth Net, young Catholic Europeans offered a series of recommendations aimed at improving the integration of migrants in the EU. Their appeal, based on a survey of youth delegates across Europe, reflects a desire to promote both dignity and social cohesion amid rising demographic, cultural, and economic challenges.
“Rooted in Europe’s Christian heritage and Catholic Social Teaching, this contribution seeks to reflect on the call to support just integration processes: to welcome, protect, and actively integrate migrants, whilst addressing key challenges and proposing a way forward for European leaders,” the paper explains.
Their initiative comes at a time when the continent is witnessing high levels of immigration, particularly from the Middle East and Africa, sparking debates over national identity, social strain, and political responsibility.
The young Catholics involved in the project emphasize that integration must be a “two-way process.” According to the COMECE paper, respondents believed “while migrants should continue to respect local customs, language and laws, host societies should also provide opportunities for participation in economic, social and cultural life.” They also stressed the importance of “balancing preserving one’s cultural identity and embracing the values of the host state.”
To achieve this, the paper calls for intentional cultural exchange: migrants learning the language and customs of their new countries, while local citizens participate in events that promote intercultural dialogue. This mutual engagement, the youth argue, is key to building cohesive societies that neither marginalize newcomers nor erase national identity.
In addition to social integration, the paper highlights the professional and economic dimensions of migration. COMECE Youth Net notes that “overqualification amongst migrants is an issue that affects both their personal development and the socio-economic advancement of the host countries.” Echoing the Church’s emphasis on the dignity of work, the youth remind leaders that “immigration can serve as a resource to the host country for development when migrants fill labour needs unmet by the local workforce.”
To unlock this potential, the paper urges countries to “facilitate the recognition of foreign qualifications and offer tailored vocational training, enabling migrants to engage in work that truly reflects their skills and aspirations.”
The COMECE Youth Net also confronts concerns over migration and crime, a topic that often dominates political rhetoric. According to the paper, “the perception of a direct link between migration and crime,” which it says is amplified by some politicians and media outlets, “is not always factual.” It encourages leaders to look beyond headlines and examine the broader social factors involved. “It is essential to approach this subject with data, see the human person behind the statistics, and create empathy for people who, like so many of the local population, are simply looking for a better life.”
The paper acknowledges that crime rates are often higher in areas where opportunities are scarce or where previous generations of migrants have not been well-integrated. “Attributing rising crime to newcomers alone is illogical,” the authors state, pointing instead to contributing factors such as “poor integration into society,” past exposure to violence, and “lacking a strong social network.”
To address these issues, the youth recommend increased access to language courses, integration programs, and social services, especially for refugees and asylum seekers who are particularly vulnerable. They also propose “streamlining visa programs” and “debureaucratizing the job market” as proactive steps to reduce criminal risk and improve migrant well-being.
Finally, amid concerns over the preservation of national identity, the young Catholics advocate for investing in strong, local communities. This includes promoting pro-family policies and encouraging grassroots efforts that bring migrants and native citizens together. “Engaging local communities including churches to promote integration” and supporting volunteer opportunities are seen as vital tools for building unity without sacrificing cultural heritage.
By weaving together faith, data, and practical insight, these young Catholics are offering a path forward that honors both the dignity of the migrant and the integrity of the host nation. Their message to European leaders is clear: integration rooted in justice and charity is not only possible — it is a moral imperative.
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