The European Commission has presented its action plan on Integration and Inclusion for the period 2021-2027. The action plan promotes inclusion for all, recognising the important contribution of migrants to the EU and addressing the barriers that can hinder participation and inclusion of people with a migrant background, from newcomers to citizens, in European society. It is built on the principle that inclusive integration requires efforts from both the person and the host community and sets out new actions that build on the achievements of the previous action plan from 2016.
Vice-President for Promoting our European Way of Life, Margaritis Schinas, said: “Inclusion is the embodiment of the European way of life. Integration and inclusion policies are vital for newcomers, for local communities, and contribute to cohesive societies and strong economies. Everyone who has the right to be in Europe should have access to the tools they need to realise their full potential and assume the rights and obligations governing our Union.”
Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson, said: "Migrants are ‘us', not ‘them'. Everyone has a role to play in making sure our societies are cohesive and prosperous. Integration and inclusion mean listening to migrant communities and ensuring that everyone can enjoy rights, regardless of background. Inclusive integration is giving the same tools and support needed to contribute to society, so that migrants can reach their full potential and our societies benefit from their strength and skills.”
The European Commission says successful integration and inclusion is an essential part of a well-managed and effective migration and asylum policy. It is also essential for social cohesion and for a dynamic economy that works for all.
The action plan proposes targeted and tailored support which takes into account individual characteristics that may present specific challenges to people with a migrant background, such as gender or religious background. Successful integration and inclusion depends both on early action and on long-term commitment.
Although national governments are primarily responsible for creating and implementing social policies, the EU plays a key role in supporting Member States through funding, developing guidance and fostering relevant partnerships. The main actions are:
- Inclusive education and training from early childhood to higher education, focusing on facilitating the recognition of qualifications and continued language learning, with support from EU funds.
- Improving employment opportunities and skills recognition to fully value the contribution of migrant communities, and women in particular, and ensure that they are supported to reach their full potential. The Commission will work with social and economic partners and employers to promote labour market integration, support entrepreneurship and make it easier for employers to recognise and assess skills.
- Promoting access to health services, including mental healthcare, for people with a migrant background. In addition to dedicated EU funding, the action plan seeks to ensure people are informed about their rights and recognises the specific challenges faced by women, in particular during and after pregnancy. The action plan also supports Member States to exchange best practice.
- Access to adequate and affordable housing funded through the European Regional Development Fund, European Social Fund Plus, Asylum and Migration Fund and Invest EU, as well as funding platforms to exchange of experience at local and regional level on fighting discrimination on the housing market and segregation.
The action plan will be implemented by mobilising EU funding and by creating partnerships with all those involved: migrants, host communities, social and economic partners, civil society, local and regional authorities as well as the private sector. It will empower host communities and support their role in the design and implementation of integration measures and programmes, while also emphasising the responsibility of the people concerned in participating in the host society. It will seek to modernise access to services by using digital tools. Finally, it will improve the evidence base to help further development of policies and to ensure good monitoring of results.
Reacting to the plan, Oxfam’s Europe migration campaign manager Erin McKay, said: “The Commission has opened up an important opportunity for Europe to promoting inclusive and cohesive societies, where everyone has a stake. It’s up to our governments now to set this plan into action, for the benefit of us all.
“The coronavirus pandemic has already shown how people who live in Europe have banded together to help one another, regardless of where they were born – as essential workers in agriculture, doctors and nurses in hospitals, and researchers working tirelessly on a vaccine. EU member states must now recognise the crucial role migrants hold in our societies, and enable the equitable participation of newcomers in the economic, social and cultural life of their new communities.”
Director of the migrant-led NGO New Women Connectors, Anila Noor, said: “Migrants and refugees want to become part of a welcoming society. EU governments must facilitate integration by taking actions such as speeding up the long-waiting periods for work permits and recognising non-EU academic and working experience. In addition, the EU can play a vital role by investing in projects that create links between newcomers and local communities. These steps will help migrants fulfil their aspirations and feel at home in their new communities.”
* The action plan is available to download here
* Oxfam International https://www.oxfam.org/en
* European Commission https://ec.europa.eu/info/index_en
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