Inclusion of migrants and refugees in cities

Strategies and policies

The successful integration of migrants is key to the future well-being, prosperity and cohesion of European societies. Although Member States are primarily responsible for integration, the EU supports national and local authorities with policy coordination, exchange of knowledge and financial resources.

The Action Plan on Integration sets out the priorities and main actions of the European Commission's work on integration.

The Partnership of the Urban Agenda for the EU on the inclusion of migrants and refugees brings together cities, EU countries, the European Commission and civil society organisations to develop common actions to promote integration.

European website on integration

Commission priority: Migration

European agenda on migration and Communication on the progress report on the implementation of the European agenda for migration

Urban data and studies

Working Together for Local Integration of Migrants and Refugees, OECD 2018

Survey on immigrants' integration in the EU, 2017

Together in the EU: Promoting the participation of migrants and their descendants - EU Agency for Fundamental Rights

Eurostat: integration indicators including regional series

OECD database on migrants in OECD regions

Knowledge Centre on Migration and Demography

Data challenge on integration of migrants in cities

ESPON project on Territorial impact of refugees

International Ethnic and Immigrant Minorities' Survey Data

Funding opportunities and advice

Networking

European Integration Network (EIN)

European Migration Network (EMN)

Urban Agenda Partnership for the inclusion of migrants and refugees

Project examples

City GROW
The project, funded under the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund, supports city-to-city mentoring between 16 European cities on several aspects of integration.

Establishment of the Multi-cultural Educational and Care Centre (MOZC)
The ERDF co-funded the establishment of a Multi-functional Educational – and Care Centre in Malburgen, the Netherlands.

European Voluntary Service (EVS)
The European Voluntary Service helps to mobilise networks targeting teachers, youth workers, school leaders, local authorities and civil society organisations to share concrete practices for the integration of refugees.

GEMM: Growth, Equal Opportunities, Migration and Markets
GEMM analyses the obstacles to the successful incorporation of migrants and assesses the migration-related drivers of growth and ethnic inequality in the labour market as a barrier to competitiveness and innovation in EU countries.

Projects in the field of education
Projects funded under Erasmus+ in the field of education for migrants.

Repository of promising practices of labour market integration of refugees
Repository of promising practices of labour market integration and social inclusion of asylum seekers and refugees across EU countries.

Research & innovation projects on migration and mobility
The publication presents an overview of past and ongoing research projects in the areas of migrants’ integration, trans-nationalism, temporary/circular migration, gender relations, migration and development, data on flows and statistical modelling, diversity, and economic impact of immigration.

Robinsbalje, Bremen’s learning neighbourhood
Robinsbalje, a former car park in a deprived neighbourhood, was transformed into a centre which offers education, health and employment services in one facility.

Science4Refugees
Science4Refugees aims to help refugee scientists and researchers find suitable jobs that both improve their own situation and put their skills and experience to good use in Europe's research system.

Urban Innovative Actions
Innovative solutions for sustainable urban development in Barcelona, Birmingham, Lille, Nantes, Pozzuoli, Turin.

Other local projects on integration can be found on the European Website for Integration.