The Regional Under Secretary of the Presidency for External Relations stated that regional authorities have played a "pivotal role" in the welcoming and integration of refugees. In this context, he considered that they should "be supported logistically and financially by the European Union" and their contribution should be included in the Community decision-making process.

"Regions and cities, particularly Greece and Italy, are at the forefront of the emergency and humanitarian response provided to refugees. In fact, the regional power is still responsible for the implementation of a series of integration policies in the medium-term, after the relocation of migrants," said Rodrigo Oliveira.

The debate on the European Agenda for Migration at the plenary session of the Committee of the Regions addressed the issue of refugees. It was attended by the European Commission responsible for migrations, Dimitris Avramopoulos, and the European Parliament rapporteur on this subject, Kashetu Kyenge. In this context, Rodrigo Oliveira considered that the "European response was tardy in terms of political decision and implementation, particularly with regard to the emergency mechanisms for the relocation of refugees."

"It is tragic that, in the context of actions that were announced as short-term and adopted in September, an insignificant number of the 160,000 people covered by these measures left Italy and Greece and were relocated in other states," stressed the Regional Under Secretary.
"This is a matter of dignity and humanitarian emergency, but is also the credibility of the European Union that is at stake and how it remains or not faithful to the principle of solidarity between peoples," added Rodrigo Oliveira.

The President of the European Council, Donald Tusk, also made a statement to members of the Committee of the Regions, where he addressed, among other things, the issue of refugees and terrorism in Europe.

In this regard, Rodrigo Oliveira defended that "we must be firm in the unequivocal condemnation and determined fight against terrorism, but always separating this issue from that of refugees, especially those from Syria, who are also victims trying to escape the war and the barbarity of extremist groups."

The report of the Committee of the Regions on the European Agenda for Migration was debated today in the 115th plenary meeting of the Committee of the Regions; it was approved by large majority. According to Rodrigo Oliveira, this text "is balanced and is line with broad and consistent perspective on the issue of refugees and, of course, pays special attention to role of regions and municipalities. It also allowed the establishment of several commitments, which reinforced the principle of solidarity and affirmation of European Regions."
 
Rodrigo Oliveira participated in the meeting on behalf of the President of the Government, Vasco Cordeiro, who is Vice-President of the Committee of the Region. He was elected to this position on June 2015 at the 112th plenary session of this body. Currently, the Region is a member of the respective Board as well as of the Commission for Natural Resources (NAT) and the Commission for Environment, Climate Change and Energy (ENVE).