Challenges and opportunities for the integration of migrants in Europe

Challenges and opportunities for the integration of migrants in Europe

The integration of migrants is a pressing issue in Europe due to the large numbers of migrants that entered Europe during the past two decades. The most recent surge is fuelled by the growing numbers of Syrians, Iraqis, Libyans, Afghans and Eritreans escaping war, ethnic conflict or economic hardship risking their lives trying to reach Europe.

Migrants face a greater risk of social exclusion than the native population, especially with respect to accessing employment, education, health and social services. Within the migrant population some groups are particularly at risk and thus require tailored integration measures. This is especially the case for third country nationals, refugees and beneficiaries of international protection, low skilled migrants, women, unaccompanied minors migrants with disabilities and irregular migrants.

This paper provides a brief analysis of the social and economic implications of migration for the EU the impact on social services and an overview of the EU political and financial measures adopted to promote the integration of migrants. It also showcases examples of successful initiatives funded by the European Union to promote the integration of migrants. This briefing paper represents the first step of a longer process that involves EPR members in reflecting on and testing how labour market integration models and Vocational Education and Training services (VET) developed for PWD can support migrants.

Read the briefing here.