Co-financed by the EU Asylum, Migration, and Integration Fund (AMIF), the EU-Belong project wants to improve the socio-economic inclusion and migrants’ sense of belonging through innovative regional integration strategies. By utilising both intercultural and multi-stakeholder approaches, this groundbreaking initiative aims to set a new standard for inclusion.
Today, after more than three years of dedicated effort, the ten regional authorities involved present the results of their work in the publication, “Building Inclusive Societies: Regional Strategies for Intercultural Integration”.
The process
Regions play a pivotal role in building more inclusive and cohesive societies by cultivating welcoming and open communities where everyone feels welcome, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential. Since 2022, EU-Belong guides regions in the establishment of an intercultural approach to migrant integration in Europe, demonstrating the benefit of interculturality and encouraging the adoption of a multi-level governance model.
Through the creation of regional multi-stakeholder platforms that bring together over 200 key local actors, EU-Belong has established dynamic spaces for structured dialogue. These platforms have become breeding grounds for trust, collaboration, and the generation of innovative ideas, all aimed at crafting effective intercultural integration strategies. The fruits of these rich discussions are captured in the publication, “Building Inclusive Societies: Regional Strategies for Intercultural Integration.”
The publication
This publication serves as both a guide and an inspiration, beginning with a brief overview of the project and its methodology, followed by ten comprehensive fact sheets that showcase the unique efforts of each participating region. For every region, readers will find a detailed breakdown of the why, what, who, how, and when of each approach. Additionally, each fact sheet highlights the key challenges faced by the authorities, the pilot actions chosen to initiate the implementation phase, and a direct contact point for further engagement. This makes the document an interactive tool, inviting readers to connect with EU-Belong partner regions, share ideas, and collaborate on expanding intercultural approaches across Europe.
Finally, key takeaways and insights conclude the document, outlining the next steps for the project’s continued success.
Via the use of a QR code, the publication allows readers to access the full official versions of the intercultural integration strategies, available on EU-Belong website in the regional languages.
About the project
EU-Belong is a 3-year project co-funded by the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund of the European Union. Coordinated by the Assembly of European Regions (AER) within the framework of its Intercultural Regions Network (IRN), it is implemented in partnership with ten regional authorities from seven European countries: Arad and Timiș in Romania; Catalonia and Navarra in Spain; Donegal in Ireland; Emilia-Romagna in Italy; Leipzig in Germany; Pomerania and Poznan in Poland; Salzburg in Austria; and two technical partners: ART-ER Attrattività Ricerca Territorio and Istituto Economico Cooperazione Internazionale (ICEI).
Stay up to date with all updates by following EU-Belong on X/Twitter @EU_Belong and join the next event at the European Week for Regions and Cities 2024: Skills: (EU)Belong here: How intercultural strategies can boost talent attraction and retention.
For questions, please contact Emanuela Pisanó, EU-Belong Project Manager at e.pisano@aer.eu
