This seminar will present data available on the integration of migrants and refugees living in small- and medium-sized cities and rural areas. The aim is to advance knowledge on effective integration policies and practices in these areas and to increase awareness of and enthusiasm for the contribution of migrants to local development.

Expected speakers will include experts and representatives from the European Commission and OECD, mayors, representatives of European cities, academics and representatives of civil society organisations. The event is aimed at public authorities (especially at the regional level, small- and medium-sized cities, associations of subnational governments, as well as national- and EU-level authorities), businesses, NGOs, migrant representatives and donors.

Participants in the seminar will discuss how sustainable refugee and migrant integration could be a factor for regional development by rehabilitating empty housing, contributing to the demand for public and private services (e.g. education, healthcare, leisure and commerce), reducing skill shortages and by creating new economic, social and cultural activities. Not only local but also regional and national authorities play a key role in supporting integration in these territories.

The seminar, part of the Cities and Regions for Integration initiative, is organised by the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) in partnership with the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB), the International Catholic Migration Commission (ICMC), the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR), the SHARE network and the Urban partnership for inclusion of migrants and refugees.

Those interested in participating should complete the online registration.

Draft programme