Afghan Camp in Patras, Greece - © Migroup 2009
Identified as a major policy challenge for EU Member States, integration of migrants is one of the growing areas of interest for the EU. In spite of the increasing focus by governments on the importance of economic migration, linked directly to labour shortages and demographic trends in Europe, there is increasing evidence of xenophobia and racism in our societies. The European context is marked by a serious backlash in attitudes against immigration and a tendency by politicians to foster the ‘fortress Europe’ by multiplying legal obstacles for migration.
Europe, with its diverse and declining population, is undergoing fundamental changes as it positions itself in a globalised world. Keeping European societies open and inclusive is a formidable challenge requiring creative responses from engaged citizens. Feelings of uncertainty, fear and insecurity are spreading in our societies and acting as a hindrance to effective integration. It is essential to combat these attitudes and invest in creating a positive discourse about integration and the opportunities migrants represent for the future of Europe.
Institute of Race Relations- Alternative Voices Workshop, 2009
Against this background, EPIM sees its role as complementary to existing European Funds by focusing on a broad range of integration-related issues and by adopting a broad definition of ‘migrants’, including legally residing and undocumented migrants, asylum seekers and refugees.
Thousands of NGOs are also putting all their resources on the line to make immigrant integration work on a daily basis. These organisations are very close to the reality of immigrants and the host society, and are doing crucial work in preventing and easing tensions, signalling new problems and tendencies, and giving input for possible policy responses. Immigrant integration primarily takes place at the local level. All countries in Europe are, however, facing more or less similar challenges, and therefore EPIM strongly believes in the benefit of European policies and European cooperation. Funding has been made available for organisations working at the European level, but equally for national NGOs who want to engage in cooperation beyond their borders.
