A COMMON AGENDA FOR INTEGRATION Iwona Pirko Bermig

A COMMON AGENDA FOR INTEGRATION Iwona Piórko Bermig Unit Immigration and Integration

The EU framework for the integration of third-country nationals ØNovember 2004: The Hague Programme strengthening freedom, security and justice ØNeed for greater co-ordination of national integration policies and EU activities based on common basic principles Ø Common Basic Principles (CBPs) for Immigrant Integration Policy in the EU Ø Underpin a coherent European framework for integration of thirdcountry nationals

The EU framework for the integration of third-country nationals Common Basic Principles (Council Document 14615/04) 1. Two-way process 2. Common values 3. Employment 4. Knowledge of host society's language, history and institutions 5. Education 6. Access to institutions, goods and services. Non discrimination 7. Interaction between immigrants and MSs’ citizens 8. Inter-cultural and inter-religious dialogue 9. Participation 10. Mainstreaming 11. Indicators

The EU framework for the integration of third-country nationals The Common Agenda September 2005: Communication ‘A Common Agenda for Integration - Framework for the Integration of Third-Country Nationals in the EU’ Ø Øproposals for concrete measures to put the CBPs into practice Øsupportive EU mechanisms to facilitate this process through cooperation and exchange of good practice

The implementation of the EU framework for the integration of third-country nationals Supportive EU mechanisms to co-operate and exchange good practice include: Ø The network of National Contact Points (from 2002) Ø Handbooks on Integration Practitioners (2004, 2007, 2009) for Policy-Makers and Ø Annual Reports on Immigration and Integration (2004, 2006, 2007) Ø Integration Website (2009) Ø European Integration Forum (preparatory meeting + 2009) Ø Integrating Cities process (Rotterdam 2006, Milan 2007, Berlin 2009, London 2010)

The EU framework for the integration of third-country nationals: Potsdam ministerial conference on integration June 2007 Council Conclusions June 2007: Council conclusions on the strengthening of integration policies in the EU by promoting unity in diversity (direct follow-up to the Potsdam ministerial conference on integration) Ø Ø September 2007: As a follow-up, Commission announces in the 3 rd Annual Report its commitment to pursue new priorities to further develop the EU framework for integration

Report to the 2008 ministerial conference on integration Strengthening actions and tools to meet integration challenges Four major topics: Ø Participation and citizenship Ø Measures targeting the host society Ø Prevention of social alienation Ø Employment, social inclusion and education as key to the participation of immigrants in European societies Two new tools: Ø Common European modules for integration Ø Evaluation of integration policies Vichy ministerial conference on integration, 3/4 November 2008, Council conclusions adopted by JHA Council end November

Financial Support The European Fund for the Integration of Third-Country Nationals (2007 -2013) (825 million €) Ø to support the integration challenges that EU MSs are facing Ø 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 Ø to help Member States to share their best practice reinforcing cooperation at EU level

To come next European Integration Forum & European website on integration April 2009

The EU framework for integration of third-country nationals For further information please check ec. europa. eu/justice_home/fsj/immigration/integration/fsj_immigration_i ntegration_en. htm Thank you