As emphasised in the new Pact on Migration and Asylum, a successful integration and inclusion policy 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 that 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:
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 and the private sector. It will seek to modernise access to services by using digital tools. Finally, it will improve the evidence base for further development of policies and to ensure good monitoring of results.
The new action plan builds on the achievements of the 2016 action plan.
The 2016 action plan on the integration of third-country nationals provides a comprehensive framework to support Member States' efforts in developing and strengthening their integration policies, and describes the concrete measures for the Commission to implement in this regard.
While it targets all third-country nationals in the EU, it contains actions to address the specific challenges faced by refugees.
The 2016 action plan included actions across all the policy areas that are crucial for integration:
It also presented tools to strengthen coordination between the different actors working on integration at national, regional and local level - for example through the European Integration Network promoting mutual learning between Member States - and a more strategic approach on EU funding for integration.
For more information, please consult the factsheet on the action plan on the integration of third country nationals.
For more information on the state of play of the implementation of the 2016 action plan please consult the European website on Integration.