ETF on show at the European Parliament

ETF Director Madlen Serban has shared 2016 highlights of the Agency’s work with partner countries bordering Europe, and the priorities for 2017, with members of the European Parliament.

On her 10th and last appearance before the Employment and Social Affairs Committee as Director of the ETF, Ms Serban expressed her gratitude for the close cooperation and support of committee members throughout her mandate.

'As the only EU agency working for Global Europe, the ETF contributes to the stability, prosperity and security of the countries surrounding the EU,' she said.

'The ETF strives to ensure that prosperity equals a better life for people. Migration should be a choice, and not driven by conflict or lack of opportunity at home.'

'Europe is about civilising globalisation. Ownership of public policies is essential and multi-stakeholder participation is key. We need responsive and responsible leadership in our partner countries. To promote this, the ETF supports decision makers in formulating, implementing and being accountable for evidence-based policies. That is the objective of the Torino Process, which will be at the centre of a major international conference on 7-8 June 2017 in Turin.'

'But the ETF can’t this alone. Through our advice the EU Delegations, the ETF is making a key contribution to shaping 500 million euro of external assistance to our partner countries.'

Director Serban highlighted the ETF’s work on skills and integration of refugees in Turkey, Jordan and Lebanon, and on the role of skills in supporting legal circular migration. The ETF is supporting decentralisation in Ukraine and Tunisia.

Ms Serban stressed that it’s not all about money. You need funding, but you also need access to knowledge and know-how, and that’s where the ETF comes in.

Following two terms as ETF Director, Ms Serban leaves the Agency in June.

*Photo by Juha Roininen, EUP Images.