CES/06/9
Brussels, 6 February 2006
Immigrant integration is primarily a matter for local and regional government
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) held a hearing in Barcelona on 2 and 3 February on the integration of immigrants, in collaboration with the Generalitat de Catalunya and the Ajuntament of Barcelona. The hearing's findings will provide input for the own-initiative opinion on Immigration in the EU and integration policies: cooperation between regional and local governments and civil society organisations.
The EU’s local and regional authorities were invited to exchange best practice regarding immigrant integration, but, as Mr Malosse, EESC social section president, stresses, "the aim was not to come up with an ideological response to immigration but rather to find ways of making it a positive experience for both immigrants themselves and their host communities".
A wide variety of situations, experiences and approaches emerged from the hearing, as well as the conclusion that there were no standard models or magic formulae. However, it also provided an opportunity to agree on certain practices that could easily be transferred and applied elsewhere.
Consulting and involving immigrants, both in identifying their needs and particularly in running integration projects and policies, was one of the key success factors highlighted by the local and regional authorities. As rapporteur for the opinion, Mr Pariza Castanos pointed out that integration cannot be imposed but must take the form of an equal partnership in which immigrants integrate with our societies.
Another point made at the hearing was that immigration, now an established feature of EU societies, required a structured and sustainable response. Such a response, based on a systematic analysis of the situation, must be framed using consistent, comprehensive strategies. In this regard, the Catalan Minister for Social Security and Family Affairs, Ms Simó, highlighted the added value of dedicated institutional structures and well-established services, which could replace the current piecemeal practice of one-off projects.
While integration was primarily a matter for the local level, she said that there was also a need for a multi-level response, which would include the EU providing support to local and regional authorities.
Finally, immigrant integration should not be regarded solely as an economic matter; it must also have a political and civic dimension, enabling third country nationals to feel part and parcel of our societies by gradually extending equal rights to political participation, particularly at local level.
For further information please contact: Karel Govaert or Christian Weger, EESC Press Office 99 rue Belliard , B-1040 Brussels Tel.: +32 (0)2 546 9396/9586; Mobile: +32 (0)475 753 202 Email: press@eesc.europa.eu
Website: http://eesc.europa.eu/press/index_en.asp
The European Economic and Social Committee represents the various economic and social components of organised civil society. It is an institutional consultative body established by the 1957 Treaty of Rome. Its consultative role enables its members, and hence the organisations they represent, to participate in the Community decision-making process. The Committee has 317 members. Its members are appointed by the Council. 
