Cracow, April 11, 2019. For further economic growth, the EU countries need to significantly increase the number of attracted labor migrants from other parts of the world. In the coming years, this need will be at least 14 million workers. Low birth rates and increased life expectancy in European countries lead to a lack of workers to maintain high standards of living. In addition, the responsibility for socialization and adaptation of labor migrants should be on local authorities, as well the allocation funds for these purposes. This was discussed at the 5th European Congress of Local Governments, which was held in the city of Cracow (Poland).

Local government is obliged to actively assist labor migrants in moving and settling in a new place, receiving education and training, controlling employers in matters of labor remuneration and working hours, medical care and insurance, adaptation to a new language and local culture. Then the development of the regions will be harmonious and ensure a further increase in the level of welfare of the EU countries.

"How in the open world can we answer the question - which country does a person belong to? A Moroccan who lived and worked in Italy for 30 years decided to go home for two years and during that time he lost the Italian view of his permanent residence. This raises a big question - is he Moroccan today or is he actually Italian?", said Alessandro Ingaria, mayor of the commune of Priero (Italy).

"2 million people living in Vienna (50% of the population) were not born in Austria. 7-8% of Austrian citizens profess Islam and this proportion of the population is growing very rapidly. The country’s face is changing, although economic growth continues", said Franz Wolf, director of the Austrian Integration Fund.

"The countries of Europe, and in particular Poland, can do a lot in protecting and adapting Ukrainian labor migrants. Today, our citizens independently solve social issues in the EU countries, adapt to the rules and laws. Local governments should create equal living and working conditions for the population and attracted labor migrants. Thus, social equality between different national groups will allow to avoid interethnic and intercultural conflicts", said Vasily Voskoboynik, President of the All-Ukrainian Association for International Employment.

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The All-Ukrainian Association for International Employment is a non-profit public organization that deals with issues and problems related to the employment of citizens of Ukraine abroad. The members of the association are independent private companies providing services in the field of international employment. The association exists to coordinate the efforts of all participants in the international employment market and effectively protect the interests of Ukrainian workers who are going to seek employment outside Ukraine.