The International Platform for Cooperation and Migration (IPCM) warmly welcomes the two new Spanish laws on obtaining citizenship: one for the descendants of Sephardic Jews expelled in 1492, and another for foreigners resident in Spain.

In both cases, the procedure clarifies and unifies the criteria for demonstrating knowledge of Spanish language and constitutional and socio-cultural knowledge on Spain. This is done through two tests designed by the Cervantes Institute (www.nacionalidad.cervantes.es).

The IPCM welcomes this effort to integrate foreigners socially and politically by means of simple objective and identical tests for all applicants. The IPCM congratulates the Spanish authorities and, in particular, the Cervantes Institute.

The International Platform for Cooperation and Migration (IPCM) expresses its deep concern over the situation of thousands of people arriving illegally in the EU. Many of them come from countries at war and are persecuted for belonging to an ethnic group or religion, or for their political ideas. Therefore, the recognition of their rights cannot be ignored. In particular, the right to asylum must be guaranteed in each and every one of the EU countries.

The IPCM appreciates the efforts of the EU and its Member States in attending to immigrants and refugees; as well as protecting the European population from radical and terrorist threats.

The IPCM appealed to the European population not to be swayed by populist and extremist ideas (whether from left or right), but to always maintain an open and democratic spirit in a pluralistic society.

The International Platform for Cooperation and Migration (IPCM) has been the collaborating body at the International seminar "The social dimension of the Community Directives in support of Social Justice and working conditions for workers " held in Madrid from 9 to 11 October. The seminar was organised by the Spanish Centre for Workers Affairs (CEAT) with funding from the European Union and the European Centre for Workers' Questions (EZA).

The Italian NGO, CEFA, received the first prize for best practices at the Expo. Marco Benassi, head of CEFA for sub-Saharan Africa, explained that the project involves a dairy farm in Tanzania for milk production and improving nutrition. IPCM president, Rafael Rodriguez-Ponga, expressed his satisfaction and the congratulations of the Platform.