EU integration policy

A successful migrant integration policy is a part of a well-managed and effective migration and asylum policy, as emphasised in the Pact on Migration and Asylum.

Many EU countries face similar challenges regarding migrant integration. While national governments are primarily responsible for creating and implementing migrant integration policies, the EU has an important role in supporting, stimulating and coordinating those actions and policies.

To be successful, integration should function as a two-way process, where migrants make an active effort to integrate and host communities create the conditions for migrants to fully participate into our societies. The EU’s actions are inspired by a ‘multi-stakeholder’ approach: the European Commission works with national authorities but also with many other stakeholders.

Action Plan on integration and inclusion 2021-2027

The Action Plan on integration and inclusion 2021-2027 is the strategic framework for EU actions on integration of migrants as well as EU citizens with a migration background.

It promotes inclusion for all, recognising the important contribution of migrants to the EU and addressing the barriers that can hinder participation and inclusion of migrants and people with a migrant background in EU countries. It addresses integration barriers in the main policy areas: housing, education, employment and healthcare.

In particular, the actions are aimed at:

• Inclusive education and training from early childhood to higher education, focusing on faster recognition of qualifications and language learning, with support from EU funds.
• Sustainable labour market integration to enable migrants to find jobs that correspond to their skills and ambitions, and to fully value their contribution. The Commission works with employment services, social and economic partners, employers and other labour market actors to facilitate skills assessment, qualification recognition, access to up- and reskilling opportunities and access to entrepreneurship support.
• Effective access to healthcare, including mental healthcare, aiming for better information and adapted support for persons with specific needs.
• Access to adequate and affordable housing, including towards innovative housing solutions, fighting discrimination on the housing market and tackling segregation.

The Action Plan is implemented by mobilising EU funding and by creating partnerships with all those involved: national authorities, local and regional authorities, migrants, host communities, social and economic partners, civil society and private sector. It seeks to modernise access to services by using digital tools, improve the evidence base for further development of policies and ensure good monitoring of results.

The Action Plan supports an intersectional perspective on integration challenges, takes a mainstreaming approach to gender and anti-discrimination priorities and complements other EU equality strategies.

Progress and updates can be found through the Action Plan progress Tracker.