Cooperation in integrating immigrants

EESC opinion: Cooperation in integrating immigrants

Key points

In a democratic society, everybody affected by collective decisions must be able to influence and participate in those decisions. Democracy in the European multicultural cities of the 21st century must be improved through the participation of residents whose rights of political participation are restricted: residents from third countries.

In order to encourage integration, governance must be improved by means of systems for civil society participation, and the EESC therefore proposes that Europe's municipal and regional authorities set up consultative councils, forums and platforms so that civil society (immigrants' organisations and immigrant-support organisations, human rights organisations, women's organisations, social partners – trade unions and employers' organisations – and other relevant NGOs) can participate in and be consulted on integration policies.