Communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions - Third Annual Report on Migration and Integration
Date: 2007-09-11
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: EU migration policy, activity report, integration of migrants, migration

COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 

Brussels, 11.9.2007 
COM(2007) 512 final 

COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE COUNCIL, THE 
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL 
COMMITTEE AND THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS 

Third Annual Report on Migration and Integration 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

INTRODUCTION 

IMMIGRANTS' POPULATION IN THE EU 

THE DEVELOPMENT OF A COMMON IMMIGRATION POLICY AND THE EU 
FRAMEWORK FOR THE INTEGRATION OF THIRD-COUNTRY NATIONALS 

TRENDS IN NATIONAL INTEGRATION POLICIES 

CONCLUSIONS 

Annex (for information): Summary Report on Integration Policies in the EU-27 

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1. INTRODUCTION 

Annual  Reports1  on  Migration  and  Integration  analyse  actions  taken  on  admission  and 
integration  of  third-country  nationals  at  national  and  EU  level  providing  an  overview  of 
policy developments and helping to evaluate and strengthen integration measures. 

During the last year, the debate on integration has further intensified both at EU and national 
levels.  An  increasing  number  of  Member  States  are  implementing  new  integration  policies 
and adjusting strategies that build on previous experience.  

This  Third  Annual  Report  includes  developments  until  June  20072.  The  annex  'Summary 
Report  on  Integration  Policies  in  the  EU-27'  prepared  in  cooperation  with  the  National 
Contact Points on Integration (NCPs)3, covers the year 2005 and the first half of 2006. 

2. IMMIGRANT POPULATION IN THE EU 

In January 2006, the third-country nationals residing in the EU were about 18.5 million, i.e. 
3.8% of the total population of almost 493 million4. Immigration is still the main element in 
EU demographic growth and positive net migration is recorded in most Member States5. Net 
migration, ranging between 0.5 and 1 million per year for most of the 1990s, has increased to 
levels ranging between 1.5 and 2 million since 2002.  

The  typology  of  entry  differs  widely  between  Member  States.  While  family  reunification  is 
considerable  in  some  countries,  like  Austria,  France  or  Sweden,  other  Member  States,  like 
Ireland,  Spain,  Portugal  and  UK,  had  a  high  percentage  of  work-related  immigration6. 
Important  regularisations  took  place  in  Spain  while  France,  Germany  and  The  Netherlands 
opted for limited regularisations for specific groups of immigrants. 

The  most  numerous  groups  of  third-country  nationals  in  the  EU  come  from  Turkey  (2.3 
million), Morocco (1.7 million), Albania (0.8 million) and Algeria (0.6 million). However, the 
number  of  foreign-born  citizens  in  some  Member  States,  like  France,  Sweden,  The 
Netherlands and UK, is higher than the number of third-country nationals as many immigrants 
acquired the citizenship of the host country. 

3. THE DEVELOPMENT OF A COMMON IMMIGRATION POLICY AND THE EU 
FRAMEWORK FOR INTEGRATION OF THIRD-COUNTRY NATIONALS 

Integration of third-country nationals is a process of mutual accommodation by both the host 
societies  and  the  immigrants  and  an  essential  factor  in  realising  the  full  benefits  of 
immigration. As stressed in the Communication 'The Global approach to migration one year 

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The First Annual Report COM(2004) 508 was published in July 2004 and the second one SEC(2006) 
892 in June 2006 
The report takes account of Council conclusions of June 2007, Council document 10267/07 
The Commission set up the network of NCPs as a follow-up to JHA Council conclusions of October 
2002 
Source:  Eurostat.  Although  Romania  and  Bulgaria  acceded  to  the  EU  in  2007,  their  citizens  are 
considered in this estimation as EU nationals 
Except Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and The Netherlands. Eurostat, Statistics in Focus, Population 
and social conditions, 1/2006 
International Migration Outlook, Annual report 2006 OECD 

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on: Towards a comprehensive European migration policy'7, the link between legal migration 
policies and integration strategies needs to be continually reinforced. 

Consolidating  the  legal  framework  on  the  conditions  for  entry  and  stay  of  third-country 
nationals  is  essential  for  the  development  of  a  coherent  EU  approach  to  integration. 
Legislative  instruments  are  already  in  place  concerning  family  reunification,  long-term 
residents and qualification of third-country nationals or stateless persons as persons in need of 
international  protection8.  They  recognise  rights  such  as,  depending  on  the  legislative 
instrument,  access  to  employment  and  to  education/training  and  equality  of  treatment9.  EU 
legislation on anti-discrimination supports this legal framework10. 

As announced in the Policy Plan on Legal Migration11, Commission proposals for a general 
framework  directive  defining  the  basic  rights  of  immigrant  workers  in  the  EU  and  for  a 
directive  on  the  conditions  of  entry  and  residence  of  highly  skilled  immigrants  are 
forthcoming12. 

Beneficiaries  of  international  protection  require  tailored  integration  measures  owing  to  their 
particular situation. This aspect will be part of the debate launched by the Green Paper on the 
future Common European Asylum System13. 

3.1 The EU framework for integration of third-country nationals 

In  2004,  the  European  Council  adopted  The  Hague  Programme  strengthening  freedom, 
security  and  justice14.  It  underlined  the  need  for  greater  coordination  of  national  integration 
policies and EU activities based on common basic principles. 

The  Council  adopted  the  Common  Basic  Principles  for  Immigrant  Integration  Policy  in 
the EU (CBPs)15 and in September 2005 the Commission put forward A Common Agenda 
for Integration which provides a framework for the integration of third-country nationals in 
the EU16. The cornerstones of this framework are proposals for concrete measures to put the 
CBPs  into  practice,  both  at  EU  and  national  levels17.  Furthermore,  the  Common  Agenda 
provides  supportive  EU  mechanisms  to  facilitate  this  process  developing  a  distinctive 
European approach to integration through cooperation and exchange of good practice. 

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COM(2006) 735 
Council Directive 2003/86 on the right to family reunification, Council Directive 2003/109 concerning 
the  status  of  third-country  nationals  who  are  long-term  residents  and  Council  Directive  2004/83  on 
minimum  standards  for  the  qualification  and  status  of  third-country  nationals  or  stateless  persons  as 
refugees  or  as  persons  who  otherwise  need  international  protection  and  the  content  of  the  protection 
granted. A legislative proposal to extend rules on long-term residence to beneficiaries of international 
protection is adopted, COM(2007) 298 
A study on conformity checking of national measures to transpose asylum and immigration directives 
will be available in 2008 
ec.europa.eu/employment_social/fundamental_rights/legis/legln_en.htm 
COM(2005) 669 
The Commission will also present legislative proposals concerning seasonal workers and remunerated 
trainees in 2008 and intra-corporate transferees in 2009 
COM(2007) 301 
Council Document 16054/04 
Council Document 14615/04 
COM(2005) 389 
The  European  Parliament,  the  European  Economic  and  Social  Committee  and  the  Committee  of  the 
Regions welcomed the developing of the EU integration framework in their respective opinions 

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Council conclusions on the Common Agenda supported its main orientations and underlined 
the need to further enhance a common approach to integration policies and measures18. 

The  network  of  National  Contact  Points  now  includes  the  active  participation  of  all 
Member States. It has become an effective mechanism to exchange information and identify 
priority areas and it plays an important role in ensuring that efforts at national and EU level 
are mutually reinforcing.  

Handbooks  on  Integration  for  Policy-Makers  and  Practitioners19,  compiled 
in 
cooperation  with  NCPs  together  with  regional/local  authorities  and  non-governmental 
stakeholders, are a driver for the exchange of information and good practice. The first edition 
(2004) covered  the introduction  of newly-arrived  immigrants and recognised  refugees, civic 
participation and indicators. The second edition (2007) focuses on other key issues developed 
in the Common Basic Principles: mainstreaming and integration infrastructure, examining the 
mechanisms  used  for  implementing  successful  integration  strategies  across  all  policy  fields; 
housing  in  an  urban  environment  and  economic  integration,  presenting  lessons  learned  in 
these areas. A third edition is planned for 2009. 

As called for by The Hague Programme, the Commission is developing a widely accessible 
website  to  support  the  promotion  of  structural  exchange  of  experience  and  information  on 
integration. It will be operational in 2008. 

A  comprehensive  approach  involving  stakeholders  at  all  levels  is  essential  to  develop  an 
effective integration policy, as stated in The Hague Programme. Initiating a process of trans-
national  cooperation  at  municipal  level  between  public  authorities,  private  enterprises,  civil 
society and migrants’ associations, with a conference Integrating Cities held in Rotterdam in 
October  2006,  was  a  crucial  step20.  A  European  Integration  Forum  is  also  foreseen  to 
assemble  stakeholders  active  in  the  area  of  integration  at  EU  level.  EU  umbrella 
organisations,  having  a  membership  across  a  number  of  Member  States,  will  exchange 
expertise and draw up recommendations to be published on the integration website. 

To continue the political debate initiated at the first Ministerial Conference on integration of 
Groningen in 2004, an Informal Meeting of EU Ministers Responsible for Integration was 
held  in  May  2007  in  Potsdam.  Council  conclusions  on  the  strengthening  of  integration 
policies in the EU by promoting unity in diversity were adopted in June 2007 as a follow-
up to this event. 

3.2 Mainstreaming integration 

Based on the EU integration framework underpinned by the CBPs and as a follow-up to the 
suggestions  for  concrete  actions  at  EU  level  put  forward  in  the  Common  Agenda,  the 
Commission  developed  a  more  coherent  approach  to  integration.  Mainstreaming  integration 
becomes  an  integral  part  of  policy  making  and  implementation  across  a  wide  range  of  EU 
policies. 

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Council Document 14390/05 
ec.europa.eu/justice_home/doc_centre/immigration/integration/doc_immigration_integration_en.htm 
Next event will be organised by the Eurocities network in Milan in autumn 2007  

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To facilitate incorporation of immigration, including integration objectives, into Commission 
initiatives a Commissioners Group on Migration Issues was established bringing together 
all related policy areas21. 

Employment  is  a  key  part  of  the  integration  process  and  the  effective  integration  of 
immigrants  into  the  labour  market  constitutes  an  important  contribution  to  reaching  the 
Lisbon targets for jobs and growth. In the context of the European Employment Strategy, the 
Integrated  Guidelines  call  for  Member  States  to  give  consideration  to  integration  of 
immigrants  into  EU  labour  markets22.  The  Commission  monitors  the  impact  of  national 
reform programmes with annual Joint Employment Reports and encourages Member States to 
make  immigrants'  labour  market  integration  a  more  explicit  dimension  of  employment 
policies23. A High Level Advisory Group on Social Integration of Ethnic Minorities and their 
Full Participation in the Labour Market was established to analyse labour market barriers and 
exchange good practice. 

Immigrants  represent  an  important  pool  of  potential  entrepreneurs  in  Europe.  Their 
businesses  have  a  significant  impact  on  EU  economic  growth.  An  Ethnic  Minority 
Entrepreneurship  Network  was  set  up  to  exchange  information  to  overcome  difficulties  in 
setting up businesses. A study on good practice in this area will be published and a conference 
is planned for spring 200824. 

The  importance  of  the  cultural  dimension  of  integration  is  increasingly  recognised  and 
intercultural  dialogue,  including  inter-  and  intra-  faith  dialogue,  became  an  essential 
instrument  to  foster  successful  integration  and  counteract  racism  and  extremism.  The  2008 
European  Year  of  Intercultural  Dialogue  will  give  a  major  input  to  the  strengthening  of 
activities in this area. 

Promotion  of  fundamental  rights,  non-discrimination  and  equal  opportunities  plays  a 
crucial  role  in  the  context  of  integration.  An  Inter-service  Group  against  Racism  and 
Xenophobia coordinates policies within the Commission and the Fundamental Rights Agency 
provides expertise in this area25. Efforts to tackle structural barriers faced by immigrants are 
being  reinforced  in  the  context  of  the  '2007  European  Year  of  Equal  Opportunities  for  All' 
launching  a  major  debate  on  benefits  of  diversity26.  As  women  are  a  majority  of  the 
immigrant population in the EU27, addressing their specific needs is increasingly reflected in 
gender  mainstreaming  mechanisms  such  as  the  Roadmap  for  Equality  between  Women  and 
Men 2006-201028. 

The  Commission  strengthened  the  integration  dimension  in  social  inclusion  and  social 
protection policies in the framework of common EU objectives that Member States translate 
into  national/regional  policies  on  the  basis  of  National  Reports  on  Strategies  for  Social 
Protection  and  Social  Inclusion.  The  monitoring  process  of  these  policies  contributes  to 
driving efforts to reinforce integration measures filling in remaining gaps between immigrants 

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ec.europa.eu/commission_barroso/frattini/doc/2006/pr_30_08_06_en.pdf 
COM(2006) 815 
Council document 6706/07 
ec.europa.eu/enterprise/entrepreneurship/ethnic.htm 
eumc.europa.eu/eumc/index.php 
ec.europa.eu/employment_social/eyeq/index.cfm 
UN Population Division, Trends in Total Migrant Stock: The 2005 Revision 
ec.europa.eu/employment_social/gender_equality/gender_mainstreaming/general_overview_en.html 

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and  citizens29.  Within  the  Commission,  an  Inter-service  Group  on  Urban  Development 
coordinates the urban dimension in community policies30 and other urban initiatives (such as 
the European network Cities for Local Integration Policy CLIP, coordinated by the European 
Foundation  for  the  Improvement  of  Living  and  Working  Conditions)  have  been  set  up  to 
share  good  practice  on  a  wide  range  of  integration-related  issues.  A  particular  emphasis  is 
given to the needs of vulnerable groups in order to reduce inequalities in the framework of the 
Community action programme for public health (2003-2008)31. 

Education  and  training  provide  tools  for  improving  the  level  of  successful  attainments  and 
are  essential  to  empower  immigrants  to  be  active  participants  in  society.  Integration  is 
promoted  through  educational  initiatives  such  as  the  Education  and  Training  2010 
programme32. As immigrant children and youth tend to have lower school results than other 
pupils33,  an  up-coming  Commission  Communication  will  explore  causes  and  identify 
measures  to  address  these  educational  challenges.  Integration  is  a  spontaneous  process 
especially for children. Tackling integration challenges at a very early stage is a key approach 
for successful outcomes and the EU strategy on the rights of the child34 takes into account the 
potential of this group. Moreover, the structured dialogue at EU level in the context of youth 
policies  as  a  follow-up  of  the  European  Youth  Pact35,  contributes  to  addressing  the  specific 
needs of this target group, focusing on the social and professional integration of young people 
in 2007 and on intercultural dialogue in 2008.  

3.3 EU financial instruments 

The EU supports Member States' integration policies with a number of financial instruments. 
Since  2003,  the  Commission  has  been  co-financing  trans-national  integration  projects  that 
promote  cooperation  between  Member  States,  regional/local  authorities  and  other 
stakeholders under INTI Preparatory Actions36. 

In the framework programme Solidarity and Management of Migration Flows 2007-2013, the 
European  Fund  for  the  Integration  of  Third-Country  Nationals  will  support  the 
integration  challenges  that  Europe  is  facing.  It  aims  to  create  a  new  form  of  solidarity  to 
promote Member States' efforts in enabling immigrants to fulfil conditions of residence and to 
facilitate  their  integration.  It  will  also  help  Member  States  to  share  their  best  practice 
reinforcing cooperation at EU level37. 

The European Refugee Fund supports tailored integration measures for people falling within 
its scope including refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection whose stay in the EU is 
of  a  lasting  and  stable  nature.  In  the  framework  programme  Solidarity  and  Management  of 

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social 

in 

on 

and 

Joint 

urban 

social 

Report 

protection 

2007 
register.consilium.europa.eu/pdf/en/07/st06/st06694.en07.pdf 
'The 
policies 
dimension 
ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/sources/docgener/guides/urban/index_en.htm#down 
ec.europa.eu/health/ph_programme/programme_en.htm 
ec.europa.eu/education/policies/2010/et_2010_en.html 
PISA 2006, OECD 
COM(2006) 367 
COM(2005) 206 
ec.europa.eu/justice_home/funding/2004_2007/inti/funding_inti_en.htm 
ec.europa.eu/justice_home/funding/integration/funding_integration_en.htm 

Community 

inclusion 

(2007-2013)', 

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Migration Flows, the new European Refugee Fund starting in 2008 will continue to finance 
these targeted projects38. 

immigrants39.  Increasing 

In  the  context  of  the  European  Social  Fund  (ESF),  the  Community  initiative  EQUAL 
offered a pool of innovative good practice to prevent and fight labour market discrimination 
of 
thereby 
immigrants'  participation 
strengthening  their  social  integration  is  a  specific  priority  of  the  new  ESF  for  2007-201340. 
Moreover, 
the 
implementation of the anti-discrimination and gender equality principles.  

the  new  PROGRESS  programme  2007-2013,  will  also  support 

in  employment  and 

Regional  policy  instruments  also  address  issues  of  migration  and  integration,  especially  in 
urban areas. In particular, the URBAN II Community initiative had a strong focus on social 
inclusion in disadvantaged urban areas41 and the URBACT  programme for the exchange of 
experience on urban development issues takes into account specific diversity challenges faced 
by  European  cities.  This  approach  will  continue  with  the  URBACT  II  programme  2007-
201342. 

4. TRENDS IN NATIONAL INTEGRATION POLICIES43 

Integration  of  third-country  nationals  has  been  the  subject  of  a  debate  focussed  on 
discrimination phenomena and cultural and religious diversity. In some cases, dramatic events 
were  crucial  in  influencing  the  public  perception  of  immigration.  Many  Member  States 
identified new priorities and revised their policies. Most concepts present in Member States' 
integration  policies  are  codified  by  the  Common  Basic  Principles  and  they  are,  to  different 
extents, reflected in their integration strategies. 

CBP1 A variety of measures are adopted in Member States to foster integration as a two-way 
process.  However,  to  put  this  principle  into  practice  in  a  meaningful  way  is  a  long-term 
challenge  requiring  further  efforts.  Structural  initiatives  targeting  the  host  population  to 
reinforce its ability to adjust to diversity are still underrepresented in national strategies.  

CBP2 Basic values such as liberty, democracy, the rule of law and the respect of human rights 
and fundamental freedoms  are considered  important elements of new  policies.  A number of 
Member  States  have  introduced  measures  to  provide  knowledge  on  basic  values  in  civic 
orientation programmes. 

CBP3  The  integration  of  immigrants  into  the  labour  market  remains  a  major  challenge  of 
national  integration  policies.  Measures  to  strengthen  this  aspect,  including  prevention  of 
unemployment  through  education  and  training,  more  effective  systems  to  recognise 
qualifications, fighting against discrimination at the work place and promotion of employment 
for immigrant women are increasingly implemented.  

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ec.europa.eu/justice_home/funding/refugee/funding_refugee_en.htm 
ec.europa.eu/employment_social/equal/index_en.cfm 
ec.europa.eu/employment_social/esf2000/2007-2013_en.html 
ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/urban2/index_en.htm 
urbact.eu/towards-urbact-2.html 
This  section  draws  from  Member  States'  replies  to  a  Commission questionnaire.  See  annex  Summary 
Report on Integration Policies in the EU-27 

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CBP4  Most  Member  States  consider  basic  knowledge  of  the  host  society  language  as  an 
essential  element  of  integration.  Many  countries  focus  their  integration  strategies  on 
introduction  programmes,  including  (sometimes  compulsory)  language  and  civic  orientation 
courses  for  newly-arrived.  A  growing  number  of  Member  States  increase  the  flexibility  of 
courses  in  terms  of  targeting  specific  needs.  Only  a  few  Member  States  carry  out  in-depth 
evaluation of these activities. 

CBP5  Comprehensive  integration  policies  include  education  and  training  as  fundamental 
elements of the integration process. Member States' efforts focus on targeted language classes 
and tuition to facilitate integration at school. Many initiatives promote respect for diversity in 
the  educational  environment  and  support  for  teachers.  However,  immigrant  children  and 
youth face specific challenges that should be further addressed. 

CBP6  Although  a  growing  number  of  Member  States  develop  the  capacity  of  service 
providers to interact with immigrants, they attach a varying degree of importance to this issue. 
In  some  Member  States,  initiatives  on  equal  access  to  public  institutions  are  launched 
including  anti-discrimination  and  information  measures.  Developing  cooperation  between 
governmental  stakeholders  and  engaging  companies  in  debates  on  integration  are  measures 
that only now are emerging. 

CBP7 The importance of daily life interaction and the crucial role of local activities is stressed 
by  most  Member  States,  although  the  extent  to  which  such  activities  are  reflected  in 
integration  strategies  differs  widely.  Measures  to  promote  initiatives  for  the  interaction  of 
immigrants and host society, including the setting up of shared forums, are still limited. 

CBP8  Member  States'  legislations  guarantee  the  respect  of  all  religions  and  ensure  the 
principle of non-discrimination on religious grounds. While the importance of inter- and intra- 
faith  dialogue,  as  an  element  of  broader  intercultural  initiatives,  is  widely  recognised, 
measures to reinforce this aspect often appear as ad hoc responses to current events. In some 
Member States, such dialogue begins to be promoted on a more structured basis. 

CBP9 The participation of immigrants in the democratic process is increasingly perceived as a 
significant  aspect  of  successful  integration.  In  a  growing  number  of  cases,  migrants' 
representatives  are  involved  in  the  elaboration/implementation  of  integration  policies.  In 
particular,  there  is  a  growing  interest  in  active  citizenship  and  naturalisation  processes  as 
elements  to  strengthen  opportunities  for  involvement  in  the  host  society.  A  rather  limited 
number of Member States provide third-country nationals with voting rights in local elections. 

CBP10 Most Member States have reinforced their capacity to mainstream integration into all 
relevant  policies,  while  also  developing  targeted  measures.  However,  effective  sharing  of 
information,  coordinating  with  all  tiers  of  government  and  stakeholders  and  paying  due 
attention to the mainstreaming of gender equality and to the specific needs of migrant youth 
and children, are still major challenges. 

CBP11  Member  States  increasingly  perceive  the  need  to  enhance  the  capacity  to  collect, 
analyse  and  disseminate  integration-related  information,  including  gender  disaggregated 
statistics,  in  a  more  systematic  way.  More  detailed  data  help  avoiding  confusion  and 
improving  visibility  of  immigrants'  contribution  to  the  host  society's  development.  Further 
progress  is  necessary  to  monitor  and  evaluate  integration  policies  and  programmes  and  to 
identify specific indicators. 

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5. CONCLUSIONS  

The Council conclusions of June 2007 mark a new step in steering the EU integration agenda. 
They stress the need to consider approaches to integration involving society as a whole and 
recognise that intercultural dialogue is an important instrument for fostering integration. 

To  further  develop  the  EU  framework  building  on  the  Common  Basic  Principles  and  the 
Common  Agenda,  the  Commission  will  put  forward  new  initiatives.  The  National  Contact 
Points will play an essential role in this process. 

The  Commission  will  explore  various  concepts  of  participation  and  citizenship  and  their 
influence  on  the  integration  process.  Platforms  for  discussion  involving  stakeholders  and 
immigrants' representatives will be encouraged at all levels.  

The  Commission  will  also  examine  the  added  value  of  common  European  modules  for 
migrant integration based on existing good practice to develop guidelines on various aspects 
of  the  integration  process  (introductory  courses,  promoting  participation  of  immigrants  and 
other citizens in local life, etc). 

The  influence  of  the  media  in  orienting  public  debate  is  broadly  acknowledged  as  they  can 
contribute  to  raise  awareness,  to  clarify  misunderstandings  and  to  engage  the  increasingly 
diverse  societies  in  a  thoughtful  debate.  Building  on  a  recent  study44,  the  Commission  will 
examine  ways  to  ensure  that  the  opportunities  immigrants  bring  for  societal  development, 
economic  growth  and  cultural  diversity  are  brought  to  the  attention  of  the  public  and  more 
widely recognised.  

The Commission will also explore how integration processes could contribute more actively 
to preventing social alienation and discrimination against immigrants focusing especially 
on youth and management of diversity to avoid extreme cases of rejection of host society. 

Yardsticks relating to various aspects of integration are needed to effectively shape policies 
and  improve  performance  by  learning  from  the  highest  standards.  The  Commission  will 
examine  ways  to  further  promote  the  development  of  common  indicators  and  indexes  for 
use  by  Member  States  to  evaluate  integration  programmes  and  to  provide  benchmarks  for 
comparative analysis. 

Finally, the Commission will consider ways to redesign the Annual Report on Migration 
and  Integration  to  make  it  an  up  to  date  instrument  for  the  comparative  analysis  of 
developments  in  integration  policies.  It  will  present  a  new  concept  to  provide  a  more 
comprehensive information and monitoring tool. Moreover, the Commission will continue to 
monitor the implementation of relevant EC legislation and its impact on integration of third-
country nationals. 

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Migration and public perception, BEPA 2006 

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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  Integration45.  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 

45 

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

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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. The 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 

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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 

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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. 

‘Efforts in education are critical to preparing immigrants, and particularly their 

5. 
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. Classes 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 

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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.  

‘Access for immigrants to institutions, as well as to public and private goods and 
6. 
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. 

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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. 

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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, 
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. 

involving 

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, 

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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. 

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