Today’s discussion has illustrated how the question of migration brings together various elements of international and domestic policy.
 
The question of migrations is too often approached in a simplistic manner. It is not a black or white issue. We should be aware that it is a very complex subject and that perceptions may vary according to each stakeholder. Both at the national and international level, this multidimensional approach is very important.
 
The need for policy coherence also has to be addressed. The various dimensions of the problem require that we take a whole-of-government approach.
 
Each stakeholder has presented his or her particular area of interest or concern. By holding the kind of debate we had today, we have become more aware that each of these areas need to be addressed by different strands of policy.
 
A lot remains to be done. In Belgium, we have made some progress; at the international level, things are also moving, but the issue remains very complex.
 
Other elements have emerged from the debate and in particular the fact that “Migration is here to stay”. All the innovative approaches we have discussed have to take this fact into account.

The suggestion has been made in the debate that Belgium should launch a pilot project with one of its partner countries in order to analyze more closely what are the respective causes of migrations and the concrete effects of the various policies we are trying to set up in relation to migrations and development. The results of such project could comfort the Belgian position in international debates on these matters.
 
The importance of a shared vision has been stressed, that would serve as a framework in order to define and implement various strands of policy in the area of migrations.
 
The debate also indicated that we must be clear in our minds about certain concepts when we deal with policies related to migrations. The same concept might hold a positive or a negative connotation for the respective stakeholders.
 
Thank you.