Importance of inclusion of immigrants in civic and societal life of hosting EU countries

2 the effective participation at equal footing without discrimination irrespective of ethnic, racial, national or any other identification or background in civic, political and societal life Participation of Immigrants and their descendants – dimensions - Political participation – voting / consultation rights - Participation in employment – economy – public sector reflecting diversity in society - Associative participation – membership to professional, civil society, voluntary, cultural associations/organisations - Participation in public life, culture, sport, media Objectives of social inclusion and participation

3  develop intercultural awareness, combat prejudice and discrimination  realise the full potential of the people  address employment, poverty, housing, quality of life, access to goods and services  respect fundamental rights, access to justice, combat hate crime  Promote equitable democratic and societal participation EU2020 strategy for inclusive growth - National Integration Strategies/Plans / European Semester Aims of social inclusion policies

4 Social inclusion in the EU as “an ever closer union (…)based on common values” Migrants as current or future EU citizens Democratic question and gaps/expectations The future EU – A new ‘We’ Multiple identities and belongings of diverse populations as the norm Social inclusion in EU inclusive, pluralist and diverse societies

5  EU Member States still face major challenges to ensure that migrants and their descendants are included and participate in society.  Social inclusion policies are called into question, while violent incidents and events may fuel further interfaith and community tensions, lack of trust and misunderstanding.  Need to counter rapidly evolving and worrying phenomena detrimental to social cohesion, fostering inclusive and welcoming societies where people can live and thrive together in diversity.  The equitable participation of migrants and their descendants in society, and the development of their full human potential, are key to reaching the EU objectives for inclusive growth. Acknowledging challenges

6  To improve the integration of migrants and particularly their descendants into EU society, access to citizenship is of vital importance.  A majority of Member States (17) have granted migrants the right to vote in local elections. This example could be followed by others, as political and social participation of migrants and their descendants is key to successful integration.  This is particularly important for young people who are descendants of migrants, but were born and raised in an EU Member State. Consideration could be given here to the Council of Europe Convention on the Participation of Foreigners in Public Life at Local Level. Fundamental Rights Conference Conclusions I

7  As civic and citizenship education is vital, the mainstreaming of migrant integration through education is needed in order to help young people learn how to live in a society with people from different cultures and religions.  Member States are encouraged to better reflect the diversity of society through their educational systems and curricula. Fundamental Rights Conference 2014 – Conclusions II

8 Investment is crucial in policies that are designed by and for migrants to increase their participation, as well as top-down political leadership which tackles the intolerance and stereotypes that still abound. The media needs to be actively engaged and encouraged to help increase the participation and visibility of migrants, contributing to a more positive overall narrative. Fundamental Rights Conference 2014 – Conclusions III

9 Previous EU MIDIS I (2008) Initiating development of fundamental rights indicators for social inclusion and migrant integration (2014) Stakeholder/expert consultation and data collection about EU and national migrant integration and social inclusion policies (2014) Extensive research about Social Inclusion and Migrant Participation in Society in 28 EU Member States ( ) Development of fundamental rights indicators for inclusive society based on EU, European and international legal standards in cooperation with the European Commission, Eurostat and OECD ( ) EU MIDIS II Survey fieldwork and results ( ) Design and setting up the Fundamental Rights Survey Analysis and publication of EU MIDIS II results Focus research on specific topics and themes – participation, active citizenship, inclusive/welcoming society, community relations, migrants’ descendants Fundamental Rights Survey – general population ( ) FRA research

10 FRA focus Integration  social inclusion EU as inclusive society oriented to growth Drivers and barriers in implementing policies Systematic monitoring-assessment of outcomes outcomes = realisation of fundamental rights Participation of migrants and their descendants Social cohesion, pluralism, inclusiveness EU2020 – European Semester

fra.europa.eu Thank you for your attention Miltos Pavlou