[pic] | KUMMISSJONI TAL-KOMUNITAJIET EWROPEJ |

Brussel 11.9.2007

KUMM(2007) 512 finali

KOMUNIKAZZJONI MILL-KUMMISSJONI LILL-KUNSILL, LILL-PARLAMENT EWROPEW, LILL-KUMITAT EKONOMIKU U SOĊJALI EWROPEW U LILL-KUMITAT TAR-REĠJUNI

It-Tielet Rapport Annwali dwar il-Migrazzjoni u l-Integrazzjoni

WERREJ

1. DAĦLA

2. IL-POPOLAZZJONI TA’ L-IMMIGRANTI FL-UE

3. L-IŻVILUPP TA’ POLITIKA KOMUNI TA’ L-IMMIGRAZZJONI U L-QAFAS TA’ L-UE GĦALL-INTEGRAZZJONI TA’ ĊITTADINI TA’ PAJJIŻI TERZI

4. XEJRIET FIL-POLITIKI NAZZJONALI TA’ L-INTEGRAZZJONI

5. KONKLUŻJONIJIET

Anness (għall-informazzjoni): Rapport fil-Qosor dwar il-Politiki ta’ l-Integrazzjoni fl-UE-27

1. DAĦLA

Ir-Rapporti Annwali[1] dwar il-Migrazzjoni u l-Integrazzjoni janalizzaw azzjonijiet meħuda dwar id-dħul u l-integrazzjoni ta’ ċittadini ta’ pajjiżi terzi fuq il-livell nazzjonali u ta’ l-UE billi jipprovdu ħarsa ġenerali ta’ l-iżviluppi tal-politika u jgħinu jevalwaw u jsaħħu l-miżuri ta’ integrazzjoni.

Matul l-aħħar sena, id-dibattitu fuq l-integrazzjoni intensifika aktar kemm fuq il-livelli ta’ l-UE u kif ukoll nazzjonali. Numru dejjem akbar ta’ Stati Membri qed jimplimentaw politiki ta’ integrazzjoni ġodda u jaġġustaw strateġiji li jibnu fuq l-esperjenza preċedenti.

Dan it-Tielet Rapport Annwali jinkludi żviluppi sa Ġunju 2007[2]. L-anness 'Rapport fil-Qosor dwar il-Politiki ta’ l-Integrazzjoni fl-UE-27' imħejji f’kollaborazzjoni mal-Punti ta’ Kuntatt Nazzjonali dwar l-Integrazzjoni (NCPs)[3], ikopri s-sena 2005 u l-ewwel nofs ta’ l-2006.

2. Il-POPOLAZZJONI TA’ L-IMMIGRANTI FL-UE

F’Jannar 2006, iċ-ċittadini ta’ pajjiżi terzi residenti fl-UE kienu madwar 18.5 miljuni, jiġifieri 3.8% tal-popolazzjoni totali ta’ kważi 498 miljun[4]. L-immigrazzjoni għadha l-element ewlieni fit-tkabbir demografiku ta’ l-UE u f’ħafna Stati Membri[5]hija rreġistrata migrazzjoni netta pożittiva. Il-migrazzjoni netta, li tvarja bejn 0.5 u 1 miljun fis-sena għall-parti l-kbira tas-snin disgħin, żdiedet għal livelli li jvarjaw bejn 1.5 u 2 miljuni mill-2002.

It-tipoloġija tad-dħul hija differenti ħafna bejn l-Istati Membri. Filwaqt li r-riunifikazzjoni tal-familja hija konsiderevoli f’xi pajjiżi, bħall-Awstrija, Franza jew l-Iżvezja, Stati Membri oħra, bħall-Irlanda, Spanja, il-Portugall u r-Renju Unit, kellhom perċentwal għoli ta’ immigrazzjoni relatata max-xogħol[6]. Saru regolarizzazzjonijiet importanti fi Spanja waqt li Franza, il-Ġermanja u l-Olanda għażlu li jagħmlu regolarizzazzjonijiet limitati għal gruppi speċifiċi ta’ immigranti.

Il-gruppi l-iktar numerużi ta’ ċittadini ta’ pajjiżi terzi fl-UE jiġu mit-Turkija (2.3 miljuni), il-Marokk (1.7 miljuni), l-Albanija (0.8 miljuni) u l-Alġerija (0.6 miljuni). Madankollu, in-numru ta’ ċittadini mwielda barra f’ċerti Stati Membri, bħal Franza, l-Iżvezja, l-Olanda u r-Renju Unit, huwa ogħla min-numru ta’ ċittadini ta’ pajjiżi terzi minħabba li ħafna immigranti jiksbu ċ-ċittadinanza tal-pajjiż ospitanti.

3. L-IŻVILUPP TA’ POLITIKA KOMUNI TA’ L-IMMIGRAZZJONI U L-QAFAS TA’ L-UE GĦALL-INTEGRAZZJONI TA’ ĊITTADINI TA’ PAJJIŻI TERZI

L-integrazzjoni ta’ ċittadini ta’ pajjiżi terzi hija proċess ta’ akkomodazzjoni reċiproka kemm mis-soċjetajiet ospitanti u kif ukoll mill-immigranti u hija fattur fit-twettiq tal-benefiċċji sħaħ ta’ l-immigrazzjoni. Kif inhu enfasizzat fil-Komunikazzjoni dwar 'L-Istrateġija Globali dwar il-migrazzjoni sena wara: Lejn politika Ewropea tal-migrazzjoni komprensiva’[7], ir- rabta bejn il-politiki tal-migrazzjoni legali u l-istrateġiji ta’ integrazzjoni tinħtieġ li tkompli tissaħħaħ.

Il-konsolidazzjoni tal-qafas legali dwar il-kondizzjonijiet għad-dħul u r-residenza ta’ ċittadini ta’ pajjiżi terzi hija essenzjali għall-iżvilupp ta’ approċċ koerenti ta’ l-UE għall-integrazzjoni. Diġà hemm strumenti leġiżlattivi rigward ir-riunifikazzjoni tal-familja, ir-residenza għal perjodu twil ta’ żmien u l-kwalifika ta’ ċittadini ta’ pajjiżi terzi jew persuni bla Stat bħala persuni fil-bżonn ta’ protezzjoni internazzjonali[8]. Dawn jirrikonoxxu drittijiet bħal, skond l-istrument leġiżlattiv, l-aċċess għall-impjieg u għall-edukazzjoni/taħriġ u trattament ugwali[9]. Il-leġiżlazzjoni ta’ l-UE kontra d-diskriminazzjoni ssostni dan il-qafas legali[10].

Kif imħabbar fil-Pjan ta’ Politika dwar il-Migrazzjoni Legali[11], proposti tal-Kummissjoni għal direttiva qafas ġenerali li tiddefinixxi d-drittijiet bażiċi ta’ ħaddiema immigranti fl-UE u għal direttiva dwar il-kondizzjonijiet tad-dħul u r-residenza ta’ immigranti bi kwalifiki għoljin għadhom ġejjin[12].

Il-benefiċjarji ta’ protezzjoni nazzjonali jirrikjedu miżuri ta’ integrazzjoni apposta għalihom minħabba s-sitwazzjoni partikolari tagħhom. Dan l-aspett ser ikun parti mid-dibattitu mniedi mill- Green Paper dwar is-Sistema Komuni Ewropea ta’ l-Ażil futura[13].

3.1. Il-qafas ta’ l-UE għall-integrazzjoni ta’ ċittadini ta’ pajjiżi terzi

Fl-2004, il-Kunsill Ewropew adotta l- Programm ta’ l-Aja li jsaħħaħ il-libertà, is-sigurtà u l-ġustizzja[14]. Dan saħaq il-bżonn għal koordinazzjoni akbar tal-politiki nazzjonali ta’ l-integrazzjoni u l-attivitajiet ta’ l-UE ibbażati fuq prinċipji bażiċi komuni.

Il-Kunsill adotta l- Prinċipji Bażiċi Komuni għall-Politika ta’ l-Integrazzjoni ta’ l-Immigranti fl-UE (CPBs)[15] u f’Settembru 2005 il-Kummissjoni ressqet Aġenda Komuni għall-Integrazzjoni li tipprovdi qafas għall-integrazzjoni ta’ ċittadini ta’ pajjiżi terzi fl-UE[16]. Il-pedamenti ta’ dan il-qafas huma proposti għal miżuri konkreti biex is-CBPs jitqiegħdu fil-prattika, kemm fuq il-livelli ta’ l-UE u nazzjonali[17]. Barra minn hekk, l-Aġenda Komuni tipprovdi mekkaniżmi ta’ l-UE ta’ sostenn biex jiffaċilitaw dan il-proċess bl-iżvilupp ta’ approċċ Ewropew distintiv għall-integrazzjoni permezz tal-kooperazzjoni u l-iskambju ta' prassi tajba.

Il- Konklużjonijiet tal-Kunsill dwar l-Aġenda Komuni appoġġjaw l-orjentamenti ewlenin tagħha u enfasizzaw il-bżonn biex jissaħħaħ aktar approċċ komuni għall-politiki u miżuri ta’ integrazzjoni[18].

In- netwerk tal-Punti ta’ Kuntatt Nazzjonali issa jinkludi l-parteċipazzjoni attiva ta’ l-Istati Membri kollha. Sar mekkaniżmu effettiv għall-iskambju ta’ l-informazzjoni u jidentifika oqsma ta’ prijorità u għandu rwol importanti f’li jiżgura li l-isforzi fuq il-livelli nazzjonali u ta’ l-UE huma msaħħa reċiprokament.

Ktejjeb dwar l-Integrazzjoni għal dawk li jfasslu l-politika u l-Prattikanti [19], kompilat bil-kooperazzjoni ta’ NCPs flimkien ma’ awtoritajiet reġjonali/lokali u partijiet interessati non governattivi, huwa gwida għall-iskambju ta’ l-informazzjoni u l-prassi tajba. L-ewwel edizzjoni (2004) tkopri l-introduzzjoni għal immigranti ġodda u refuġjati rikonoxxuti, il-parteċipazzjoni ċivika u indikaturi. It- tieni edizzjoni (2007) tiffoka fuq kwistjonijiet ewlenin oħra żviluppati fil-Prinċipji Bażiċi Komuni: il- mainstreaming u l-integrazzjoni ta’ l-infrastruttura, l-eżami tal-mekkaniżmi użati għall-implimentazzjoni ta’ strateġiji ta’ suċċess għall-integrazzjoni fl-oqsma politiċi kollha; l-akkomodazzjoni f’ambjent urban u l-integrazzjoni ekonomika bil-preżentazzjoni ta’ lezzjonijiet mgħallma f’dawn l-oqsma. It-tielet edizzjoni hija ppjanata għall-2009.

Kif kien imsejjaħ mill-Programm ta’ l-Aja, il-Kummissjoni qed tiżviluppa websajt aċċessibbli ħafna biex tappoġġja l-promozzjoni ta' l-iskambju strutturali ta’ l-esperjenza u l-informazzjoni dwar l-integrazzjoni. Se tkun operattiva fl-2008.

Approċċ komprensiv li jinvolvi lill-partijiet interessati fil-livelli kollha huwa essenzjali għall-iżvilupp ta’ politika effettiva ta’ l-integrazzjoni, kif inhu ddikjarat fil-Programm ta' l-Aja. Il-bidu ta’ proċess ta’ kooperazzjoni trażnazzjonali fuq il-livell muniċipali bejn l-awtoritajiet pubbliċi, l-impriżi privati, is-soċjetà ċivili u l-assoċjazzjonijiet tal-migranti, b'konferenza Nintegraw l-Ibliet li saret f'Rotterdam f'Ottubru 2006, kien pass kruċjali[20]. Forum għall-Integrazzjoni Ewropea huwa wkoll previst biex jgħaqqad lill-partijiet interessati attivi f’dan il-qasam ta’ l-integrazzjoni fuq il-livell ta’ l-UE. Għaqdiet ta' koordinazzjoni fl-UE li jkollhom membri minn numru ta’ Stati Membri, ser jiskambjaw l-għarfien espert u jfasslu rakkomandazzjonijiet biex jiġu ppubblikati fil-websajt dwar l-integrazzjoni.

Biex jitkompla d-dibattitu politiku mibdi fl-ewwel Konferenza Ministerjali dwar l-integrazzjoni ta’ Groningen fl-2004, saret Laqgħa Informali tal-Ministeri ta’ l-UE responsabbli għall-Integrazzjoni f’Mejju 2007 f’Potsdam. Il- konklużjonijiet tal-Kunsill dwar it-tisħiħ tal-politiki ta’ l-integrazzjoni fl-UE bil-promozzjoni ta’ l-unità fid-diversità kienu adottati f’Ġunju 2007 bħala segwitu għal dan l-avveniment.

3.2 Mainstreaming ta' l-integrazzjoni

Abbażi tal-qafas għall-integrazzjoni ta’ l-UE enfasizzat mis-CBPs u bħala segwitu għas-suġġerimenti għal azzjonijiet konkreti fuq il-livell ta’ l-UE mressqa fl-Aġenda Komuni, il-Kummissjoni żviluppat approċċ aktar koerenti għall-integrazzjoni. L-inklużjoni ta’ l-integrazzjoni saret parti sħiħa mit-tfassil u l-implimentazzjoni tal-politika f’firxa wiesgħa ta’ politiki ta’ l-UE.

Biex tkun faċilitata l-inkorporazzjoni ta’ l-immigrazzjoni, inkluż għanijiet ta’ integrazzjoni, fl-inizjattivi tal-Kummissjoni twaqqaf Grupp ta’ Kummissarji dwar Kwistjonijiet tal-Migrazzjoni li jġib flimkien l-oqsma politiċi kollha relatati[21].

L- impjieg huwa parti ewlenija mill-proċess ta’ l-integrazzjoni u l-integrazzjoni effettiva ta’ l-immigranti fis-suq tax-xogħol tikkostitwixxi kontribuzzjoni importanti biex jintlaħqu l-miri ta’ Liżbona għat-tkabbir u l-impjiegi. Fil-kuntest ta’ l-Istrateġija Ewropea għall-Impjieg, il-Linji Gwida Integrati jsejħu lill-Istati Membri biex jikkunsidraw l-integrazzjoni ta’ l-immigranti fis-swieq tax-xogħol ta’ l-UE[22]. Il-Kummissjoni tivverifika l-impatt tal-programmi ta’ riforma nazzjonali mar-Rapporti Konġunti dwar l-Impjieg annwali u tinkoraġġixxi lill-Istati Membri biex l-integrazzjoni ta’ l-immigranti fis-swieq tax-xogħol issir dimensjoni aktar espliċita tal-politika ta’ l-impjieg[23]. Grupp Konsultattiv ta’ Livell Għoli dwar l-Integrazzjoni Soċjali tal-Minoritajiet Etniċi u l-Parteċipazzjoni Sħiħa tagħhom fis-Suq tax-Xogħol kien stabbilit biex janalizza l-ostakoli tas-suq tax-xogħol u l-iskambju tal-prassi tajba.

L-immigranti jirrappreżentaw għaqda ta’ imprendituri potenzjali fl-Ewropa. In-negozju tagħhom għandu impatt sinifikanti fuq it-tkabbir ekonomiku ta’ l-UE. Netwerk ta’ Intraprendenza tal-Minoranza Etnika ġie mwaqqaf għall-iskambju ta’ l-informazzjoni biex jingħelbu d-diffikultajiet fl-istabbiliment ta’ negozju. Studju dwar il-prassi tajba f’dan il-qasam ser jiġi ppubblikat u hija ppjanata konferenza għar-Rebbiegħa 2008[24].

L-importanza tad-dimensjoni kulturali ta’ l-integrazzjoni qed tiġi rikonoxxuta dejjem iktar u d- djalogu interkulturali , inkluż id-djalogu bejn u fi ħdan il-fidi, sar strument essenzjali biex iżid integrazzjoni b’suċċess u jikkumbatti r-razziżmu u l-estremiżmu. Is-Sena Ewropea għad-Djalofu Interkulturali 2008 ser tagħti riżultat pożittiv għat-tisħiħ ta’ l-attivitajiet f’dan il-qasam.

Il-promozzjoni tad- drittijiet fundamentali, in-non-diskriminazzjoni u l-opportunitajiet indaqs għandha rwol kruċjali fil-kuntest ta’ l-integrazzjoni. Grupp ta’ bejn is-Servizzi kontra r-Razziżmu u l-Ksenofobija jikkoordina l-politiki fil-Kummissjoni u l-Aġenzija tad-Drittijiet Fundamentali tipprovdi għarfien espert f’dan il-qasam[25]. L-isforzi biex ikunu indirizzati l-ostakoli strutturali li jħabbtu wiċċhom magħhom l-immigranti qed jissaħħu fil-kuntest tas-‘Sena Ewropea għall-Opportunitajiet Indaqs għal kulħadd 2007’ li qed tniedi dibattitu ewlieni dwar il-benefiċċji tad-diversità[26]. Minħabba li n- nisa jinsabu f’maġġoranza fil-popolazzjoni ta’ l-immigranti fl-UE[27], li jiġu indirizzati l-bżonnijiet speċifiċi tagħhom huwa rifless dejjem iktar fil-mekkaniżmi ta’ l-inklużjoni tas-sessi bħar- Roadmap għall-Ugwaljanza bejn in-Nisa u l-Irġiel 2006-2010[28].

Il-Kummissjoni saħħet id-dimensjoni ta’ l-integrazzjoni fil-politiki ta’ l- inklużjoni soċjali u l-protezzjoni soċjali fil-qafas ta’ għanijiet komuni ta’ l-UE li l-Istati Membri jittraduċu f’politiki nazzjonali/reġjonali abbażi tar-Rapporti Nazzjonali dwar l-Istrateġiji għall-Protezzjoni Soċjali u l-Inklużjoni Soċjali. Il-proċess ta’ monitoraġġ ta’ dawn il-politiki jikkontribwixxi biex jistimola l-isforzi biex jissaħħu l-miżuri ta’ integrazzjoni li jimlew il-lakuni li għad baqa’ bejn l-immigranti u ċ-ċittadini[29]. Fil-Kummissjoni, Grupp ta’ Bejn is-Servizzi dwar l-Iżvilupp Urban jikkoordina d- dimensjoni urbana fil-politiki[30] tal-Komunità u inizjattivi urbani oħrajn (bħan-netwerk Ewropew Cities for Local Integration Policy CLIP, koordinat mill-Fondazzjoni Ewropea għat-Titjib tal-Kondizzjonijiet tal-Ħajja u tax-Xogħol) ġew imwaqqfin biex jaqsmu l-prassi tajba fuq firxa wiesgħa ta’ kwistjonijiet relatati ma’ l-integrazzjoni. Huwa mogħti enfasi partikolari għall-bżonnijiet ta’ gruppi vulnerabbli sabiex jitnaqqsu l-inugwaljanzi fil-qafas tal-programm ta’ azzjoni tal-Komunità għas- saħħa pubblika (2003-2008)[31].

L- edukazzjoni u t-taħriġ jipprovdu għodod għat-titjib tal-livell ta’ kisbiet ta’ suċċess u huma essenzjali biex iqawwu lill-immigranti jkunu parteċipanti attivi fis-soċjetà. L-integrazzjoni hija promossa bis-saħħa ta’ programmi edukattivi bħall-programm Edukazzjoni u Taħriġ 2010[32]. Minħabba li t-tfal u ż-żgħażagħ ta’ l-immigranti għandhom it-tendenza li jkollhom riżultati ta’ l-iskola iktar baxxi minn studenti oħrajn[33], Komunikazzjoni tal-Kummissjoni li ġejja ser tesplora l-kawżi u tidentifika miżuri biex tindirizza dawn l-isfidi edukattivi. L-integrazzjoni hija proċess spontanju speċjalment għat- tfal . Li jiġu indirizzati l-isfidi ta’ l-integrazzjoni fi stadju bikri ħafna huwa approċċ għal riżultati ta’ suċċess u l-istrateġija ta’ l-UE dwar id-drittijiet tat-tfal[34] tikkunsidra l-potenzjal ta’ dan il-grupp. Barra dan, id-djalogu strutturat fuq il-livell ta’ l-UE fil-kuntest tal-politiki taż- żgħażagħ bħala segwitu għall-Patt Ewropew għaż-Żgħażagħ[35], jikkontribwixxi biex ikunu indirizzati l-bżonnijiet speċifiċi ta’ dan il-grupp ta’ mira, li jiffoka fuq l-integrazzjoni soċjali u professjonali taż-żgħażagħ fl-2007 u fuq id-djalogu interkulturali fl-2008.

3.3 Strumenti Finanzjarji ta’ l-UE

L-UE tappoġġja l-politika ta’ integrazzjoni ta’ l-Istati Membri permezz ta' numru ta' strumenti finanzjarji. Mill-2003, il-Kummissjoni tikkofinanzja proġetti ta’ integrazzjoni trażnazzjonali li jippromwovu l-kooperazzjoni bejn l-Istati Membri, l-awtoritajiet reġjonali/lokali u partijiet interessati oħra taħt l-Azzjonijiet Preparatorji INTI [36].

Fil-programm qafas Solidarjetà u Ġestjoni tal-Flussi Migratorji 2007-2013, il- Fond Ewropew għall-Integrazzjoni taċ-Ċittadini ta’ Pajjiżi Terzi ser jappoġġja l-isfidi ta’ l-integrazzjoni li qed tiffaċċja l-Ewropa. Dan għandu l-għan li joħloq forma ġdida ta’ solidarjetà li tippromwovi l-isforzi ta’ l-Istati Membri biex jippermettu lill-immigranti jissodisfaw il-kondizzjonijiet ta’ residenza u jiffaċilitaw l-interazzjoni tagħhom. Dan għandu jgħin ukoll lill-Istati Membri biex jaqsmu l-aħjar prassi u tissaħħa il-kooperazzjoni fuq il-livell ta’ l-UE[37].

Il- Fond Ewropew tar-Refuġjati jappoġġja miżuri ta’ integrazzjoni skond il-bżonnijiet għall-persuni li jaqgħu fl-ambitu tiegħu inkluż refuġjati u benefiċjarji ta’ protezzjoni sussidjarja li ż-żjara tagħhom fl-UE hija ta' natura dejjiema u stabbli. Fil-programm qafas Solidarjetà u Ġestjoni tal-Flussi Migratorji, il-Fond Ewropew għar-Refuġjati l-ġdid li jibda fl-2008 ser ikompli jiffinanzja dawn il-proġetti mmirati[38].

Fil-kuntest tal- Fond Soċjali Ewropew (FSE) , l-inizjattiva tal-Komunità EQUAL offriet għaqda ta' prassi tajba innovattiva biex tipprevjeni u tiġġieled id-diskriminazzjoni fis-suq tax-xogħol ta' l-immigranti[39]. Il-parteċipazzjoni dejjem tiżdied ta’ l-immigranti fl-impjiegi u b’hekk it-tisħiħ ta’ l-integrazzjoni soċjali tagħhom hija prijorità speċifika għall-FSE il-ġdid għall-2007-2013[40]. Barra minn hekk, il-programm ġdid PROGRESS 2007-2013, ser jappoġġja wkoll l-implimentazzjoni tal-prinċipji kontra d-diskriminazzjoni u l-ugwaljanza bejn is-sessi.

L-istrumenti ta’ politika reġjonali jindirizzaw ukoll kwistjonijiet ta’ migrazzjoni u integrazzjoni, speċjalment fiż-żoni urbani. B’mod partikolari, l- inizjattiva tal-Komunità URBAN II iffoka ħafna fuq l-inklużjoni soċjali fiż-żoni urbani żvantaġġjati[41] u l-programm URBACT għall-iskambju ta’ l-esperjenza fuq kwistjonijiet ta’ l-iżvilupp urban jikkunsidra l-isfidi speċifiċi tad-diversità li jiffaċċjaw l-ibliet Ewropej. Dan l-approċċ se jkompli bil-programm URBACT II 2007-2013[42].

4. XEJRIET FIL-POLITIKI NAZZJONALI TA’ L-INTEGRAZZJONI[43]

L-integrazzjoni taċ-ċittadini ta' pajjiżi terzi kienet is-suġġett ta' dibattitu ffukat fuq il-fenomenu tad-diskriminazzjoni u d-diversità kulturali u reliġjuża. F’xi każijiet, avvenimenti drammatiċi kienu kruċjali biex jinfluwenzaw il-perċezzjoni mill-pubbliku ta’ l-immigrazzjoni. Ħafna Stati Membri identifikaw prijoritajiet ġodda u rrivedew il-politiki tagħhom. Ħafna kunċetti li jinsabu fil-politiki ta’ l-integrazzjoni ta’ l-Istati Membri huma kodifikati mill-Prinċipji Bażiċi Komuni u huma, sa ċertu punt, riflessi fl-istrateġiji ta’ integrazzjoni tagħhom.

CBP1 Varjetà ta’ miżuri huma adottati fl-Istati Membri biex ikattru l-integrazzjoni bħala proċess minn żewġ naħat. Madankollu, biex dan il-prinċipju jitqiegħed fil-prattika b’mod sinifikanti jfisser sfida fit-tul li tkun tinħtieġ iktar sforzi. Inizjattivi strutturali li jimmiraw il-popolazzjoni ospitanti biex tissaħħaħ il-kapaċità ta’ aġġustament għad-diversità mhumiex daqstant rappreżentati fl-istrateġiji nazzjonali.

CBP2 Valuri bażiċi bħal-libertà, id-demokrazija, l-istat tad-dritt u r-rispett għad-drittijiet umani u l-libertajiet fundamentali huma kkunsidrati elementi importanti ta’ politiki ġodda. Numru ta’ Stati Membri introduċew miżuri biex jipprovdu għarfien dwar il-valuri bażiċi fi programmi ta’ orjentament ċiviku.

CBP3 L-integrazzjoni ta’ l-immigranti fis-suq tax-xogħol tibqa’ sfida ewlenija tal-politiki nazzjonali ta’ integrazzjoni. Miżuri biex jissaħħaħ dan l-aspett, inkluż il-prevenzjoni tal-qgħad bis-saħħa ta’ l-edukazzjoni u t-taħriġ, sistemi iktar effettivi għar-rikonoxximent tal-kwalifiki, il-ġlieda kontra d-diskriminazzjoni fuq il-post tax-xogħol u l-promozzjoni ta’ l-impjieg għan-nisa immigranti qed jiġu implimentati iktar.

CBP4 Ħafna Stati Membri jikkunsidraw l-għarfien bażiku tal-lingwa tas-soċjetà ospitanti bħala element essenzjali ta’ l-integrazzjoni. Ħafna pajjiżi jiffukaw l-istrateġiji ta’ integrazzjoni tagħhom fuq l-introduzzjoni ta’ programmi, inkluż (xi drabi mandatorju) korsijiet tal-lingwa u ta’ orjentament ċiviku għal dawk li jkunu għadhom kif waslu. Numru dejjem akbar ta’ Stati Membri qed iżidu l-flessibbiltà ta’ korsijiet f’termini ta’ mira għal bżonnijiet speċifiċi. Kienu ftit biss l-Istati Membri li wettqu evalwazzjoni fil-fond ta’ dawn l-attivitajiet.

CBP5 Politiki komprensivi ta’ integrazzjoni jinkludu l-edukazzjoni u t-taħriġ bħala elementi fundamentali tal-proċess ta’ integrazzjoni. L-isforzi ta’ l-Istati Membri jiffukaw fuq korsijiet immirati tal-lingwa u tagħlim li jiffaċilita l-integrazzjoni fl-iskola. Ħafna inizjattivi jippromwovu r-rispett għad-diversità fl-ambjent edukattiv u appoġġ għall-għalliema. Madankollu, it-tfal u ż-żgħażagħ immigranti jiffaċċjaw sfidi speċifiċi li għandhom jiġu indirizzati aktar.

CBP6 Għalkemm numru dejjem akbar ta’ Stati Membri qed jiżviluppaw il-kapaċità tal-fornituri tas-servizzi biex jinteraġixxu ma’ l-immigranti, huma jagħtu grad varju ta’ importanza lil din il-kwistjoni. F’xi Stati Membri, inizjattivi għal aċċess ugwali għall-istituzzjonijiet pubbliċi huma mnedija inkluż miżuri kontra d-diskriminazzjoni u ta' informazzjoni. L-iżvilupp tal-kooperazzjoni bejn il-partijiet interessati governattivi u l-involviment ta’ kumpaniji f’dibattiti fuq l-integrazzjoni huma miżuri li bdew joħorġu issa.

CBP7 L-importanza ta’ l-interazzjoni fil-ħajja ta’ kuljum u r-rwol kruċjali ta’ l-attivitajiet lokali qed tiġi enfasizzata f’ħafna Stati Membri, għalkemm il-punt safejn tali attivitajeit huma riflessi fl-istrateġiji ta’ l-integrazzjoni huwa differenti ħafna. Miżuri li jippromwovu inizjattivi għall-interazzjoni ta' l-immigranti u s-soċjetà ospitanti, inkluż l-istabbiliment ta' fora maqsuma, għadhom limitati.

CBP8 Il-leġiżlazzjonijiet ta’ l-Istati Membri jiggarantixxu r-rispett għar-reġjuni kollha u jiżguraw il-prinċipju ta’ non-diskriminazzjoni fuq il-bażi tar-reliġjon. Filwaqt li l-importanza tad-djalogu bejn u fi ħdan il-fidi, bħala element ta’ inizjattivi interkulturali usa’, hija rikonoxxuta ħafna, miżuri biex isaħħu dan l-aspett ħafna drabi jidhru bħala risposti ad hoc għall-avvenimenti kurrenti. F’xi Stati Membri, tali djalogu beda jiġi promoss fuq bażi iktar strutturata.

CBP9 Il-parteċipazzjoni ta’ l-immigranti fil-proċess demokratiku qed tiġi perċepita dejjem iktar bħala aspett sinifikanti ta’ integrazzjoni ta’ suċċess. F’numru dejjem akbar ta’ każijiet, ir-rappreżentanti tal-migranti huma involuti fit-tfassil/l-implimentazzjoni ta’ politiki ta’ integrazzjoni. B’mod partikolari, hemm interess dejjem akbar fiċ-ċittadinanza attiva u l-proċess ta’ naturalizzazzjoni bħala elementi li jsaħħu opportunitajiet għall-involviment fis-soċjetà ospitanti. Numru pjuttost limitat ta’ Stati Membri jipprovdi liċ-ċittadini ta’ pajjiżi terzi bi drittijiet tal-vot fl-elezzjonijiet lokali.

CBP10 Ħafna Stati Membri saħħew il-kapaċità tagħhom li jinkludu l-integrazzjoni fil-politiki kollha rilevanti, filwaqt li jiżviluppaw ukoll miżuri mmirati. Madankollu, it-taqsim effettiv ta’ l-informazzjoni, il-koordinazzjoni fil-livelli kollha ta’ ggvernar u ta’ partijiet interessati u li tingħata attenzjoni dovuta lill-inklużjoni ta’ l-ugwaljanza bejn is-sessi u lill-bżonnijiet speċifiċi taż-żgħażagħ u t-tfal immigranti, għadhom sfidi ewlenin.

CBP11 L-Istati Membri qed jipperċepixxu dejjem iktar il-bżonn li jżidu l-kapaċità li jiġbru, janalizzaw u jxerrdu informazzjoni relatata ma’ l-integrazzjoni, inkluż statistiċi diżaggregati tas-sessi, b’mod iktar sistematiku. Data iktar dettaljata tgħin biex tiġi evitata l-konfużjoni u biex titjieb il-viżibilità tal-kontribuzzjoni ta’ l-immigranti għall-iżvilupp tas-soċjetà ospitanti. Huwa meħtieġ iktar progress għall-monitoraġġ u l-evalwazzjoni ta’ politiki u programmi ta’ l-integrezzajoni u għall-identifikazzjoni ta’ indikaturi speċifiċi.

5. KONKLUŻJONIJIET

Il-konklużjonijiet tal-Kunsill ta’ Ġunju 2007 jikkaratterizzaw pass ġdid għat-tmexxija ta’ l-aġenda ta’ l-integrazzjoni ta’ l-UE. Dawn jisħqu fuq il-bżonn li jitqiesu approċċi lejn l-integrazzjoni bl-involviment tas-soċjetà kollha u bir-rikonoxximent li d-djalogu interkulturali huwa strument importanti biex tikber l-integrazzjoni.

Biex tiżviluppa aktar il-qafas ta’ l-UE li jibbaża fuq il-Prinċipji Bażiċi Komuni u l-Aġenda Komuni, il-Kummissjoni ser tressaq inizjattivi ġodda. Il-Punti ta’ Kuntatt Nazzjonali se jkollhom rwol essenzjali f’dan il-proċess.

Il-Kummissjoni ser tesplora kunċetti varji ta’ parteċipazzjoni u ċittadinanza u l-influwenza tagħhom fuq il-proċess ta’ integrazzjoni. Pjattaformi għal diskussjonijiet li jinvolvu l-partijiet interessati u r-rappreżentanti ta’ l-immigranti ser ikunu mħeġġa fil-livelli kollha.

Il-Kummissjoni se teżamina wkoll il-valur miżjud tal- moduli komuni Ewropej għall-integrazzjoni tal-migranti bbażati fuq il-prassi tajba eżistenti għall-iżvilupp ta’ linji gwida dwar aspetti varji tal-proċess ta’ integrazzjoni (korsijiet ta’ introduzzjoni, il-promozzjoni tal-parteċipazzjoni ta’ l-immigranti u ċittadini oħra fil-ħajja lokali, eċċ).

L-influwenza tal-midja fl-orjentament tad-dibattitu pubbliku huwa rikonoxxut b'mod wiesa' minħabba li jistgħu jikkontribwixxu biex titqajjem il-kuxjenza , biex jiġi ċċarat in-nuqqas ta’ ftehim u biex jimpenjaw lis-soċjetajiet dejjem iktar diversi f'dibattitu maħsub. Fuq il-bażi ta’ studju riċenti[44], il-Kummissjoni ser teżamina mezzi kif tiżgura li l-opportunitajiet li jġibu l-immigranti għall-iżvilupp tas-soċjetà, it-tkabbir ekonomiku u d-diversità kulturali jinġiebu għall-attenzjoni tal-pubbliku u jkunu iktar rikonoxxuti.

Il-Kummissjoni se tesplora wkoll kif il-proċessi ta’ integrazzjoni jistgħu jikkontribwixxu iktar attivament għall- prevenzjoni ta’ l-aljenazzjoni soċjali u d-diskriminazzjoni kontra l-immigranti billi jiffukaw b’mod speċjali fuq iż-żgħażagħ u l-ġestjoni tad-diversità biex ikunu evitati każijiet estremi ta’ rifjut tas-soċjetà ospitanti.

Huma meħtieġa bażijiet ta’ paragun relatati ma’ aspetti varji ta’ l-integrazzjoni biex jifformaw effettivament il-politiki u jtejbu r-rendiment permezz ta’ tagħlim mill-ogħla standards. Il-Kummissjoni se teżamina modi kif tippromwovi aktar l-iżvilupp ta’ indikaturi u indiċi komuni biex jużawhom l-Istati Membri biex jevalwaw il-programmi ta’ integrazzjoni u jipprovdu livelli għal analiżi komparattiva.

Fl-aħħarnett, il-Kummissjoni se tikkunsidra modi kif tiddiżinja mill-ġdid ir-Rapport Annwali dwar il-Migrazzjoni u l-Integrazzjoni biex isir strument aġġornat għall-analiżi komparattiva ta’ l-iżviluppi fil-politiki ta’ l-integrazzjoni. Se tippreżenta kunċett ġdid biex tipprovdi strument ta’ informazzjoni u monitoraġġ iktar komprensiv. Barra dan, il-Kummissjoni se tkompli ssegwi l-implimentazzjoni ta’ leġiżlazzjoni rilevanti tal-KE u l-impatt tagħha fuq iċ-ċittadini ta’ pajjiżi terzi.

Annex (for information)

Summary Report on Integration Policies in the EU-27

This Summary Report has been drafted on the basis of a questionnaire completed by the National Contact Points on Integration[45]. The questionnaire refers to third-country nationals who are legally residing in the Member States, both newly-arrived and long-established immigrants and refugees.

The aim of the questionnaire was to gather specific information concerning various dimensions of the integration process in the Member States for the calendar year 2005 and the first half of 2006. The Report is structured along the lines of the Common Basic Principles on integration (CBPs) and in keeping with the Common Agenda for Integration.

The CBPs and the Common Agenda are well known by those directly involved in integration policies at national level. Measures aiming at disseminating them further to a wider group of policy-makers and to civil society are undertaken. In Bulgaria and in the Slovak Republic they are discussed and presented to the broader public. They are increasingly mentioned in official declarations and political statements. Some Member States, such as Austria, the Czech Republic, Denmark and Spain, refer to the CBPs on a regular basis when dealing with immigration and integration issues. In the Czech Republic and Greece, the CBPs enriched the debate leading to the adoption of new legislation. They are also explicitly incorporated in some Member States' programmes. In the Spanish Strategic Plan on Citizenship and Integration, a full text version of the CBPs is reproduced and reference is made to the Common Agenda for Integration. In the consultations held with stakeholders about the content of the Strategic Plan, extensive information was given on integration initiatives taken at the EU level. In Ireland, the CBPs continue to inform the policy making process and all projects submitted for funding from a recently announced Immigrant Integration Fund are required to reflect the CBPs.

1. ‘Integration is a dynamic, two-way process of mutual accommodation by all immigrants and residents of Member States’

In the Czech Republic and Greece, this principle is part of, respectively, the 'Updated Concept of Immigrant Integration' and the new 'Integrated Action Plan'. In Slovenia, a 'Unit for cultural rights of minorities and for the development of cultural diversity' was established within the Ministry of Culture to support the better understanding and co-existence of different cultural identities. In Belgium, the French and Flemish Communities set up programmes for intercultural communication and awareness-raising on the rights of foreigners targeting both the host society and immigrants. In Denmark, a fund supports local projects such as the 'Copenhagen Day of Dialogue' including intercultural activities and debates. For the 'Danish Constitution Day', a competition for young people, focused on subjects of democracy and integration and widely covered by the media, is prepared. The Swedish government declared the year 2006 the Swedish Year of Multiculturalism' to promote opportunities for all to participate in cultural life and to create co-operation between various cultural traditions. In Luxembourg, the 'Neighbours’ Festival', the 'Festival of migrations, cultures and citizenship' and other multicultural initiatives are organised to promote integration. In Finland, immigrants who obtain Finnish nationality are invited to the 'Theme day of nationality' in the city of Turku. A 'Multicultural personality of the year' and a 'New resident of Turku of the year' are elected. In The Netherlands, primary and secondary schools are encouraged to organise initiatives for the promotion of civic citizenship and integration. Within the new Irish National Action Plan against Racism 'Planning for Diversity', local partnership companies support anti-discrimination and integration initiatives. In the Slovak Republic, the new 'Action Plan to Prevent All Forms of Discrimination, Racism, Xenophobia, Anti-Semitism and Other Forms of Intolerance' was adopted. Measures involving the media to promote understanding of immigration are undertaken actively in Belgium, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Portugal, the Slovak Republic, Spain, Sweden, The Netherlands and the United Kingdom. In Latvia, the 'International Tolerance Day' was organised in collaboration with the media. In Lithuania, a new version of the 'Code of Ethics of Journalists and Publishers' was approved to shape understanding of diversity. In Portugal, many initiatives are carried out to manage cultural diversity including television and radio programmes, such as the 'Week of Cultural Diversity'. In the United Kingdom , the 'Improving Opportunity, Strengthening Society' strategy and the 'Community Cohesion Toolkit' focusing on the role of the media are among the measures launched to foster a sense of common belonging.

2. ‘Integration implies respect for the basic values of the European Union’

A number of Member States, including Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Luxembourg and The Netherlands refer to the basic values of the European Union in introductory programmes for newly-arrived third-country nationals. Some countries increasingly promote EU basic values through broader initiatives. In Belgium, a 'Committee of Seven Wise Men' elaborated on basic values and presented its recommendations to the Flemish government to harmonise civic integration courses. T he French Community supports educational programmes targeting school teachers and students. Interdisciplinary citizenship courses will be included in the curriculum of all mandatory educational programmes. In France, the concept of integration includes a strong political and civic dimension reflecting common republican values which are discussed by the 'High Council of Integration.' In Lithuania, civic orientation and integration courses on the host society's culture and history are organised for people granted asylum. In Luxembourg, compulsory civic education courses are provided to those applying for nationality. In Bulgaria, a project 'Civic education – road to Europe' is organised targeting young people. Sweden set up initiatives to raise awareness on basic values including a new 'National Action for Human Rights', as well as a specific programme to combat violence and oppression in the name of honour. In The Netherlands, a declaration of 'Solidarity with The Netherlands', covering respect for common values, is pronounced during naturalisation ceremonies.

3. ‘Employment is a key part of the integration process and is central to the participation of immigrants, to the contributions immigrants make to the host society, and to making such contributions visible’

The contribution of immigrants to the economic growth and development of the host society is increasingly recognised, as underlined by Greece, Italy and Spain. To facilitate the labour market integration of immigrants the Czech Republic has planned a simplification of bureaucracy and the possibility to reside legally while looking for a job. In Spain, a new system 'Catalogue of Labour Shortages in Specific Occupations' has been set up to identify shortages and to allow for a swift processing of residence and working permits. Portugal established 'Offices of Employment and Entrepreneurial Support for Immigrants' within the 'National Immigrant Support Centres', and it launched an advertising campaign 'Immigrant Portugal, Tolerant Portugal'. In Poland, a number of labour market integration measures are carried out by the Intercultural Centre for Vocational Adaptation and the Work Club of the Polish Humanitarian Organisation. In the Slovak Republic, the process of assessment of qualifications and skills and the access to vocational training has been simplified. A specific web-site has been created to advertise vacancies and provide information to employers. The Danish government concluded a political agreement 'A new change for everyone' on access to jobs and education, including new financial incentives to municipalities and obligations for local authorities to provide job offers. In Ireland, publications such as the 'Know before you go' booklet including information on finding employment for newly-arrived immigrants and the 'Employment Rights Information Booklet' are available in multiple languages. The 'Employment for Parents of Irish Born Children Programme' promotes the employment of third-country national parents of an Irish born child and the study 'An Exploration of Local Strategies for the Integration of Migrant Workers and their Families' was carried out. In France, a group of big enterprises drafted a 'Diversity Charter', which is now being signed by many other employers, to commit themselves to create an intercultural environment among their staff. The Finnish Ministry of Trade and Industry established a working group to reinforce immigrant entrepreneurship through networking, interaction, education and training, development of advisory services and information. In The Netherlands, an action plan was adopted to further develop immigrant entrepreneurship and a monitoring system against discrimination at the work place is being set up. A 'Diversity Unit' was established by the Belgian federal government to fight against discrimination at work and to promote equality. The Flemish Community organises individual labour market insertion programmes for newly-arrived third-country nationals as part of introductory programmes. In Greece, interventions in favour of unemployed immigrant women are a priority. In Sweden, the employment office for immigrants created a special team to provide support before and during the initial period in a new job. Austria promotes employment of immigrants in the public sector. In the United Kingdom, within certain industry sectors, language teachers and integration experts are available to develop schemes for labour market integration of immigrants.

4. ‘Basic knowledge of the host society’s language, history, and institutions is indispensable to integration; enabling immigrants to acquire this basic knowledge is essential to successful integration’

In most of the Member States, including Austria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Portugal and Sweden, information material and welcome packages in various languages are available for newly-arrived third-country nationals. Introduction programmes are established in most Member States and they are compulsory in some countries, i.e. Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece and The Netherlands. In Austria, immigrants have to sign an Integration Agreement and to follow German language training in order to receive a residence permit. The City of Vienna provides special cheap courses for young and long-term immigrants. In Denmark, an examination on Danish society, history and culture has to be taken to obtain Danish citizenship and a basic civic test will also be introduced for some categories of immigrants. In the United Kingdom, the 'Life in the United Kingdom: A Journey to Citizenship' syllabus to prepare for the citizenship test was published. In Portugal, the 'Portugal Welcomes You' programme provides language and introductory citizenship courses for newly-arrived third-country nationals. In France, knowledge of the French language, values and institutions is a pre-condition to acquire a long-term residence permit. Language courses, including an examination and a certificate, are compulsory depending on the level of knowledge and they are free of charge for newly-arrived third-country nationals. They are organised in a flexible way according to different needs and child care is available during classes. In Germany, language classes are compulsory depending on the level of knowledge and integration courses provide orientation and basic knowledge of German institutions. In Lithuania, Slovenia, Romania and the United Kingdom a personal integration plan is drafted for every refugee. Italy and Spain foresee introduction courses with a focus on vocational training in their territories, as well as in the immigrants' countries of origin. The Netherlands organises compulsory pre-departure examinations on language and civic orientation for immigrants, with the exclusion of refugees and asylum seekers, to be taken in the country of origin. In Ireland, citizens' information centres are located in every town and cultural orientation programmes and information leaflets are also available. Stakeholders were involved in the organisation of language courses to provide an effective service. In Luxembourg, a pilot project for language classes in French and Luxembourgish 'Cours Inlux' has proved to be very successful and will be renewed. In Poland, a web-site was set up after consultation with refugees, in order to provide them with the most useful information and a newspaper addressing immigrants is drafted with their contribution.

5. ‘Efforts in education are critical to preparing immigrants, and particularly their descendants, to be more successful and more active participants in society’

In Austria , intercultural teaching and learning are principles of federal law, implemented by providing training and support to teachers and promoting anti-discrimination activities in all schools. In Finland, municipalities are granted an increased State subsidy to support young immigrants speaking other languages and teaching in their mother tongue is available. The general school programme includes teaching on foreign cultures. In Spain, half of the 'State Fund for Reception, Integration and Education' is used by schools to develop reception programmes for newly-arrived young immigrants and their families, to provide teaching support during an initial period and to hire intercultural mediators. Teaching exchange programmes with third countries and a movie 'Settlers' on interculturality at school are examples of initiatives undertaken. In Belgium, the French Community develops courses in the language and culture of origin of immigrants and courses promoting openness towards other cultures. In all parts of the country, reception programmes, bridging classes and language courses are organised to facilitate the introduction of newly-arrived young third-country nationals. In Bulgaria, the national programme for the development of education and training foresees specific measures targeted at children speaking another language. Data and research on performance at school are analysed. In Estonia, relevant resources are allocated to train teachers of Estonian as a second language and for bilingual education. In Romania, free courses of Romanian are available for adults and training for teachers is organised to address better the need of students. Finland and Hungary provide classes in various languages as preparatory courses for the integration of immigrant children into the general education system. Greece organises reception and tutorial classes to ease the integration into schools and other measures are set up to ease enrolment and to support families. In Luxembourg, a reception unit for young immigrants who arrive in the course of the school year was created and intercultural mediators and special staff are available to help with language difficulties. In Portugal, the 'Choices Program' aims at preventing low level of achievements and early school-leaving and the 'Between Cultures Secretariat' promotes intercultural education within the wider educational system by training of teachers. C lasses of Portuguese as a second language are available in schools. In the United Kingdom , within the framework of the 'Aiming High' strategy, funding and guidance materials are provided to local authorities and school boards in order to address the needs of immigrant children and youth. In The Netherlands, schools and local authorities organise meetings at least once a year to avoid segregation and to promote integration. In Poland, training for teachers is available and a conference was organised on measures tackling language difficulties of immigrant children. A kindergarten project 'Children of the World' addresses integration challenges at an early stage with the interaction of children of different origins through arts and games. In Ireland, the 'Department of Education and Science' established a steering committee to co-ordinate responses to the educational needs of newly-arrived young immigrants and to put in place a system of language support for non-English speakers. New 'Guidelines on Intercultural Education in Primary School' are published to support teachers and school management in developing a more inclusive classroom environment. In Sweden, a specific curriculum for learning Swedish as a second language exists and the 'Higher Education Act' requires higher education institutions to promote actively recruitment of immigrants . In France, language tuition and introductory courses are available at school. Recent measures focus on the participation in preparatory courses for university studies and on the smooth transition into the labour market.

6. ‘Access for immigrants to institutions, as well as to public and private goods and services, on a basis equal to national citizens and in a non-discriminatory way is a critical foundation for better integration’

In Italy, access to social services for immigrants is eased by mediatory services. Legal advice, information and orientation desks are available at the local level. In Lithuania, access to public offices is facilitated by interpretation services and information in other languages. In Austria, special multi-language information desks are available for various services. The User Panel of the Danish Immigration Service is set up to bring together the Danish Immigration Service and immigrant's representatives. In Poland, training is organised for people working with refugees and a centre provides information on legislation and available services within public institutions. In Sweden, all government agencies have to adopt action plans to take into account cultural diversity in recruitment procedures and a system with de-personalised applications for jobs will be tested. In The Netherlands, an anti-discrimination project within the structures of the government is launched. In Finland, the Ministry of Labour produced a 'Handbook on equality data' containing good anti-discrimination practices. In the Czech Republic, multicultural education and improvement of language skills of public administration staff is an increasing priority. Bulgaria implements a training project to teach social assistants to work in multiethnic environments. In Romania, public services may employ interpreters and cultural mediators and train their staff to ease the access of immigrants to services. In the Slovak Republic, training for the staff of labour, social and family affairs offices is available, as well as consulting and mediatory services. In Hungary, desk officers of family support centres and social and labour offices participate in training on integration issues. In Latvia, a 'Centre of trust' is being built for third-country nationals as a contact point with the institutions. In Ireland, the newly established 'Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service' acts as a one-stop-shop providing a single access point to services. Interpretation support, anti-racism and intercultural training is available for service providers. Government Departments and State Agencies provide information, in multiple languages, on the rights and entitlements of access to a wide range of public services. In Portugal, national and local immigrant support centres are one-stop-shops set up for the delivery of services with the involvement of socio-cultural mediators. An 'SOS Service for Immigrants' and a simultaneous translation service provide help and information in various languages with the assistance of socio-cultural mediators. Within the pilot project 'Strategic Upgrade of National Refugee Integration Services' (SUNRISE), in the United Kingdom a personal caseworker provides information and advice to facilitate access to services.

7. ‘Frequent interaction between immigrants and Member State citizens is a fundamental mechanism for integration. Shared forums, intercultural dialogue, education about immigrants and immigrant cultures, and stimulating living conditions in urban environments enhance the interactions between immigrants and Member State citizens’

Some Member States, such as Greece and Italy, stress in particular the role of cultural mediators, as well as of volunteering and third sector organisations facilitating the interaction between immigrants and the host society. In Austria, a special department for integration and diversity matters forms a point of co-operation between immigrants' organisations, non-governmental organisations and the City of Vienna. In Ireland, local community groups are funded to provide day-to-day support and to promote participation of newly-arrived third-country nationals in local community life. In Bulgaria, the 'Sports Vacation Programme' promotes tolerant inter-ethnic relations. In Estonia, an employment exchange programme between different regions of the country is developed to promote interaction. In Denmark , the participation of immigrants in volunteering organisations is promoted. In Lithuania, a web-site for various minorities' organisations is created to reach a broader public. In Luxembourg, a pilot project to organise entertainment workshops for the interaction of national citizens with immigrants has been successful and will be repeated in many towns. In The Netherlands, many projects in the context of the 'Broad Initiative for Social Cohesion' have been launched including the 'Not beside but with each other' campaign to avoid segregation. A major project to collect examples of co-operation among young people of different cultures is broadly covered by the media. In the United Kingdom , measures to engage together more closely immigrants and the host population include an action plan on intercultural dialogue, a government 'Respect Task Force' and the cohesion guidance 'Leading Cohesive Communities – a guide for leaders and chief executives'.

8. ‘The practice of diverse cultures and religions is guaranteed under the Charter of Fundamental Rights and must be safeguarded, unless practices conflict with other inviolable European rights or with national law’

Denmark set up various initiatives fostering intercultural dialogue and stressing religious diversity, including dialogue meetings between the Danish Prime Minister and the Minister for Integration and various ethnic minority organisations. Germany organised a federal level conference to launch a long-term dialogue process with representatives of Muslim communities. In Finland, a working group on intercultural and inter-religious dialogue was established within the 'Advisory Board for Ethnic Relations'. It acts as a permanent forum for discussion and exchange of information between religious communities and national authorities to increase mutual understanding. In Italy, a 'Council for Italian Islam' was set up to support the central government in gaining an insight on problems faced by Muslim communities and to establish a permanent dialogue. In Latvia, an anti-discrimination project 'Information campaign against Islamophobia' is being implemented and an on-line encyclopaedia on religious diversity and postcards on inter-religious dialogue have been prepared. In Luxembourg, a public conference is organised every year by an inter-religious group representing all major faiths. In Sweden, the Minister responsible for religious affairs holds regular meetings with representatives of different religious communities aimed at reinforcing mutual understanding and trust. In The Netherlands, training for spiritual leaders is organised by Muslims' organisations and the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science and the Ministry for Immigration and Integration.

9. ‘The participation of immigrants in the democratic process and in the formulation of integration policies and measures, especially at the local level, supports their integration’

In Belgium, the Czech Republic, Finland, Hungary, Ireland, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Portugal, the Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and soon in Greece, third-country nationals are, in principle, entitled to vote in local elections. However, legislative frameworks regulating political participation vary widely. In most of these countries, such voting rights are linked to the length of regular stay or are only recognised to specific categories of third-country nationals. In other Member States, they are only granted to citizens of third countries with which specific bilateral arrangements exist. In Luxembourg, awareness-raising campaigns will be organised to inform immigrants about their voting rights at the local level and a proposal has been presented to extend the competences of municipal advisory councils for foreigners ('Commissions communales consultatives') to favour their participation in public life. In Belgium, the Walloon and Brussels Capital governments encouraged third-country nationals to register to vote in local elections. Cities and communities with a high concentration of minorities are obliged by the Flemish government to facilitate their participation in local policies through special consultative councils and activities of the 'Forum for Ethnic Minorities'. In a growing number of countries, specific support for immigrant women organisations is provided. The Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Greece, Italy, Portugal and Spain involve immigrants' representatives, as well as other civil society actors and different stakeholders, in the elaboration and/or implementation of integration policies. In Portugal, the Consultation Council for Immigration Affairs (COCAI), consisting of five immigrants communities, plays an important role in drawing immigration policies. A 'Council for Ethnic Minorities' has been established in Denmark to advise the Ministry of Integration and integration councils are active at the local level. In Spain, the 'Forum for the Integration of Immigrants', a three-tiered consultative body created by the government, involving immigrants' associations, social partners, non-governmental organisations and public administration, was renewed with enlarged composition and competences. Its consultation has become mandatory for any legal or practical initiative in the field of integration at national level. In France, the 'National Council for the Integration of Immigrant Population', including representatives of immigrants' associations, has been re-established and is regularly consulted by the Ministry in charge. In Ireland, funding is provided to immigrants' organisations to promote their participation in the democratic process. Irish partnership companies also facilitate the establishment of local level forums which enhance dialogue and interaction between relevant service providers, representatives of the community and voluntary sector and representatives of immigrants' communities. In Italy, a ' Council dealing with third-country nationals and their families' will be established at national level and ' Immigration Territorial Councils' are set up at local level. In Sweden, government funding has been made available to create a network of elected representatives from municipalities and County Councils to promote an intercultural environment. In the United Kingdom , a 'Commission on Integration and Cohesion' has been set up, involving various stakeholders, to elaborate practical steps in order to make local communities more cohesive and integrated.

10. ‘Mainstreaming integration policies and measures in all relevant policy portfolios and levels of government and public services is an important consideration in public-policy formation and implementation’

In the Czech Republic, all relevant Ministries apply integration mainstreaming in the development of departmental policies and legislation. In the French Community of Belgium, all Ministers commit themselves to undertake concrete actions to promote cultural pluralism and mutual comprehension. In Finland, an integration advisory board was established to co-ordinate activities of various Ministries. 'The Integration Act' was amended so that measures focusing on public general services take into account the needs of immigrants. In Greece, an inter-ministerial committee, supported by a special committee involving experts, was established by the Minister of Interior, Public Administration and Decentralisation to improve the level of co-operation and co-ordination on integration. In Romania, inter-institutional co-operation is developed by co-ordination meetings organised with representatives of various governmental institutions and non-governmental organisations. Ireland established the 'Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service' to bring together the various strands of government activity. Within these revised structures, a new 'Integration Unit' is being established to promote and co-ordinate all social and organisational measures. France strengthens efforts in terms of public services and social measures in the areas where immigrants are more present.

11. ‘Developing clear goals, indicators and evaluation mechanisms are necessary to adjust policy, evaluate progress on integration and to make the exchange of information more effective’

In Denmark, a study on integration indicators is under way and benchmarking of integration efforts at municipal level is published every year by the Minister of Refugee, Immigration and Integration Affairs to identify best practices. The Swedish 'Integration Board' monitors the situation and progress of integration policies, analysing various aspects of Swedish society and producing yearly reports to assist decision-making in this field. In Portugal, the 'Immigration Observatory' carries out research to support the development of integration policy. In Romania, comprehensive research on the situation of persons granted protection, including the analysis of many integration aspects, has been carried out. Its policy recommendations will be used for drafting future measures. Germany and Estonia selected external contractors to evaluate their integration programmes in order to inform future policy-making and enable adjustments for more effective policy outcomes. In Estonia, a public opinion survey was also carried out. In Ireland, all State funding initiatives on integration have clear performance indicators. Procedures are in place to monitor the implementation of funded projects and to inform developing integration policy. In the Czech Republic, within the 'Commission for the Integration of foreigners' one of the working groups deals also with the setting up of integration indicators.

[1] L-Ewwel Rapport Annwali COM(2004) 508 kien ippubblikat f’Lulju 2004 u t-tieni wieħed SEC(2006) 892 f’Ġunju 2006

[2] Ir-rapport jieħu in kunsiderazzjoni l-konklużjonijiet tal-Kunsill ta’ Ġunju 2007, Dokument tal-Kunsill 10267/07

[3] Il-Kummissjoni stabbiliet netwerk ta’ NCPs bħala segwitu għall-konklużjonijiet tal-Kunsill JHA ta’ Ottubru 2002

[4] Sors: Eurostat. Għalkemm ir-Rumanija u l-Bulgarija saru membri ta’ l-UE fl-2007, iċ-ċittadini tagħhom huma kkunsidrati f’dan l-estimu bħala ċittadini ta’ l-UE.

[5] Ħlief l-Estonja, il-Latvja, il-Polonja u l-Olanda. Eurostat, Statistics in Focus, Population and social conditions , 1/2006

[6] International Migration Outlook , Rapport annwali 2006 OECD

[7] COM (2006) 735

[8] Direttiva tal-Kunsill 2003/86 dwar id-dritt tar-riunifikazzjoni tal-familja, Direttiva tal-Kunsill 2003/109 dwar l-istatus ta’ ċittadini ta’ pajjiżi terzi li huma residenti għal perjodu twil ta’ żmien, Direttiva tal-Kunsill 2004/83 dwar standards minimi għall-kwalifika u l-istatus ta’ ċittadini ta’ pajjiżi terzi jew persuni bla Stat bħala refuġjati jew persuni li nkella għandhom bżonn protezzjoni internazzjonali u l-kontenut tal-protezzjoni mogħtija. Proposta leġiżlattiva għall-estensjoni tar-regoli dwar ir-residenza għal perjodu twil ta’ żmien lil benefiċjarji ta’ protezzjoni internazzjonali hija adottata, COM(2007) 298

[9] Studju dwar il-verifika tal-konformità tal-miżuri nazzjonali għat-traspożizzjoni ta' direttivi ta' l-ażil u l-immigrazzjoni ser ikun disponibbli fl-2008

[10] ec.europa.eu/employment_social/fundamental_rights/legis/legln_en.htm

[11] COM (2005) 669

[12] Il-Kummissjoni se tippreżenta wkoll proposti leġiżlattivi dwar il-ħaddiem staġjonali u apprentisti mħallsa fl-2008 u trasferimenti intra-azjendali fl-2009

[13] COM (2007) 301

[14] Dokument tal-Kunsill 16054/04

[15] Dokument tal-Kunsill 14615/04

[16] COM (2005) 389

[17] Il-Parlament Ewropew, il-Kumitat Ekonomiku u Soċjali Ewropew u l-Kumitat tar-Reġjuni laqgħu l-iżvilupp tal-qafas ta’ integrazzjoni ta’ l-UE fl-opinjonijiet rispettivi tagħhom.

[18] Dokument tal-Kunsill 14390/05

[19] ec.europa.eu/justice_home/doc_centre/immigration/integration/doc_immigration_integration_en.htm

[20] L-avveniment li jmiss ser jiġi organizzat min-netwerk Eurocities f’Milan fil-Ħarifa 2007

[21] ec.europa.eu/commission_barroso/frattini/doc/2006/pr_30_08_06_en.pdf

[22] COM (2006) 815

[23] Dokument tal-Kunsill 6706/07

[24] ec.europa.eu/enterprise/entrepreneurship/ethnic.htm

[25] eumc.europa.eu/eumc/index.php

[26] ec.europa.eu/employment_social/eyeq/index.cfm

[27] It-Tqassim tal-Popolazzjoni, Ix-Xejriet tan-Nazzjonijiet Uniti fl-Istokk Totali ta' Emigranti, Ir-Reviżjoni ta' l-2005

[28] ec.europa.eu/employment_social/gender_equality/gender_mainstreaming/general_overview_en.html

[29] Rapport Konġunt 2007 dwar il-protezzjoni soċjali u l-inklużjoni soċjali register.consilium.europa.eu/pdf/en/07/st06/st06694.en07.pdf

[30] ‘Id-dimensjoni urbana fil-politiki tal-Komunità (2007-2013)’, ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/sources/docgener/guides/urban/index_en.htm#down

[31] ec.europa.eu/health/ph_programme/programme_en.htm

[32] ec.europa.eu/education/policies/2010/et_2010_en.html

[33] PISA 2006, OECD

[34] COM (2006) 367

[35] COM (2005) 206

[36] ec.europa.eu/justice_home/funding/2004_2007/inti/funding_inti_en.htm

[37] ec.europa.eu/justice_home/funding/integration/funding_integration_en.htm

[38] ec.europa.eu/justice_home/funding/refugee/funding_refugee_en.htm

[39] ec.europa.eu/employment_social/equal/index_en.cfm

[40] ec.europa.eu/employment_social/esf2000/2007-2013_en.html

[41] ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/urban2/index_en.htm

[42] urbact.eu/towards-urbact-2.html

[43] Din is-sezzjoni ġejja mir-risposti ta’ l-Istati Membri għal kwestjonarju tal-Kummissjoni. Ara l-anness Rapport fil-Qosor dwar il-Politiki ta’ l-Integrazzjoni fl-UE-27

[44] Il-Migrazzjoni u l-perċezzjoni mill-pubbliku, BEPA 2006

[45] Replies have been received from all Member States except Cyprus and Malta