Background:

The ad hoc query was launched in the context of the fourth edition of the Integration Week, organised by the General Directorate for Foreign Nationals in France. It aimed to inform a cross-disciplinary round table during the national seminar by providing a comparative overview of measures implemented by EMN Member States and Observer Countries to promote the involvement of newly arrived third-country nationals in host societies as part of their integration. The focus is on legally staying third-country nationals, including beneficiaries of international protection.

Respondents:

23 EMN Member Countries (including BE) provided a public answer to this ad hoc query.

Findings:

A preliminary analysis of the results of the ad hoc query shows that:

• Out of 23 responding countries, the majority have implemented tailored measures aimed at enhancing the involvement of newly arrived TCNs as part of their integration policy. The measures are diverse and implemented by a range of actors (state and local level, civil society, etc). In BE, several activities are in place, the main one being the civic integration programme. Some countries, however, reported not having a comprehensive integration policy in place, or indicated that it is still under development (for example, HR).  
• In most cases, participation in such activities is not compulsory. In a few countries where it is mandatory (for example, BE with the participation programme of the civic integration programme in the Flemish Community), there are no consequences for the right of residence, though administrative fines may apply. In FI, the implementation of the integration plan can be a precondition for accessing benefits and services available to TCNs.
• Generally, these measures are available to all third-country nationals, but they may target a specific group (e.g. beneficiaries of international protection). Some countries specify that the measures are only accessible to newly arrived migrants (for example, LI).
• In several countries, specific bodies have been established to implement these measures, for example, the Migrant and Refugee Integration Councils in EL. These are local-level consultative bodies within municipalities composed, among others, of representatives from recognised migrant and refugee organisations. They serve as a platform for participation, representation, and the expression of immigrants’ and refugees’ views at the local level.
• In most responding countries, nationals can volunteer in the implementation of these actions, mainly through civil society organisations. In BE, nationals can act as a buddy or mentor for newly arrived TCNs. In EE, the engagement of volunteers in integration activities is one of the objectives of the national cooperation programme implemented in partnership with Switzerland, which aims to build a dedicated pool of volunteers.

For further details, please read the compilation of answers attached above.