Across Europe, cities are at the forefront of policy innovation, ensuring that newcomers are not only welcomed but also provided with opportunities to contribute and thrive.
As highlighted in the 6th Integrating Cities Report, presented at the 11th Integrated Cities Conference in Bologna this week, the local level continues to be key in integrating migrants and refugees. Cities steer policies for open and inclusive societies, make their services accessible, and drive inclusion in their roles as employers and contractors of people with migrant backgrounds. Cities are indispensable in bridging the gap between national policies and local realities, from providing housing to developing tailored education and employment programmes.
The role of cities in migrant integration
Cities are instrumental in integrating migrants and refugees, including those from Ukraine. Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, local authorities have invested enormous financial resources and human energy to ensure that Ukrainians have not just found facilities to shelter, but new places to call home.
Cities continue to call for a strong European Union based on the values of humanity and inclusion and where diverse societies can prosper in dignity.
This effort, which would not have been possible without the commitment of citizens, diaspora, migrant-led and non-governmental organisations, has changed cities in many complex ways. This edition of the Integrating Cities Report dedicates a whole chapter to the impact of the arrival of Ukrainian refugees on integration policies and outcomes in cities.
For instance, Riga’s innovative Support Centre for Ukrainian Residents combines state and municipal services under one roof, offering everything from housing support to social inclusion activities.
Similarly, Helsinki’s programmes target language learning and employment, ensuring newcomers integrate smoothly while addressing labour shortages. Through its partnerships with NGOs, Milan exemplifies collaboration, offering case management and legal support for vulnerable groups.
Cities also excel as service providers. Dortmund’s MigraDo centre, a one-stop shop for migrant services, and Amsterdam’s initiatives for tailored communication in multiple languages highlight how cities make services accessible and equitable. Meanwhile, cities like Ghent and Tampere are pioneering inclusive education and language programmes that cater to diverse groups of migrants.
Building bridges through local leadership
The 6th Integrating Cities Report underscores cities’ critical role in shaping integration outcomes for migrants and refugees.
Moreover, cities have repeated countless times their call for non-discriminatory, equal access to rights and protection for all refugees in Europe, aiming to ensure that all refugees, regardless of their origins and identity, no matter the colour of their skin, their gender, sexual orientation or religion, are receiving the same right to protection. Initiatives like Vienna’s diversity monitoring and Bilbao’s anti-racism campaigns highlight how cities can lead in creating equal opportunities for all residents.
[The report] shows that cities are at the forefront of integration and key players in making an inclusive and social societies work.
As Europe continues to navigate the complexities of migration, such as a changing landscape of asylum, migration and border management policies brought about by the EU’s New Pact on Migration and Asylum and ongoing global developments.
This will have a clear impact on integration prospects and outcomes at the local level, which cities will have to face as main integration stakeholders. “Cities continue to call for a strong European Union based on the values of humanity and inclusion and where diverse societies can prosper in dignity,” says Katharina Bamberg, Head of Migration at Eurocities Through collective action, cities can continue to build bridges in the ever-changing social landscape.
Read the full report here.
