Numerous EU migrant workers are employed in the euregio rhine-meuse-north, making an important contribution to the region’s economic dynamism. However, alongside positive developments, there are also problematic structures that exploit cross-border labour migration as a business model. Abuses such as systematic exploitation and deliberate circumvention of legal regulations are widespread and require decisive action.
The aim of the project is to combat inhumane working and living conditions, promote fair labour relations and provide effective support to those affected. At the same time, perpetrators throughout the exploitation chain must be consistently prosecuted. The focus is on a holistic approach that intensifies cross-border cooperation between authorities, advice centres and other relevant actors.
The main objectives include:
• Identifying all relevant cross-border actors
• Developing sustainable exit strategies for particularly vulnerable migrant groups
• Effectively prosecuting exploitative mediation structures
• Building sustainable cooperation networks across national borders
• Introducing a quality assurance standard for accommodation (cf. SNF quality mark)
Planned measures include:
• Strengthening cooperation between Dutch and North Rhine-Westphalian institutions
• Expanding support services for victims and improving the networking of existing support structures
• Optimising information exchange to strengthen investigations
• Knowledge transfer for municipal actors and network partners
• Strategic further development of transnational cooperation
