Supporting Immigrant Integration in Europe: What Role for Origin Countries' Subnational Authorities?

• Published in: Policy File 2015
• Main Authors: Bilgili, Ozge, Agimi, Ilire
• Format: Report
• Language: English
• Subjects: Government; Immigration; Migration Policy Institute

While much is known about integration at the subnational level in receiving countries, little is known about the role of corresponding authorities in migrant-sending countries. This report represents the first attempt to investigate how the activities of origin countries' regional and local institutions may improve the lives of emigrants to Member States of the European Union. It discusses relevant obstacles as well as opportunities for sending-country cities, regional political entities, and federated states in the design and implementation of policy measures to improve the trajectories of migrants. The report also underscores the importance of international cooperation at the subnational level---specifically city-to-city partnerships---focusing on well-established migration corridors in Europe with the assumption that historical links or geographic proximity can make cooperation easier. Besides interventions on employment, political participation, and health care, local authorities may contribute positively to integration at destination through diplomatic visits, community celebrations and other cultural initiatives, and educational exchange programs---all of which help to increase trust and mutual understanding between immigrants and their host societies. The report notes, however, the wide range of challenges that hamper sending countries' subnational authorities from doing more to promote the integration of emigrants at destination. Key challenges include inadequately devolved competences and---even where such competences are in place---financial constraints (affecting cities in particular) that make it difficult to address competing policy priorities and take opportunities to cooperate with host countries.