Dear Madam/Sir,

PARIS, 9 - 10 June 2005

In recent years the integration of migrant populations in the EU has become a subject of passionate public debate. Against the background of 9/11 and 3/11 fears for a radicalisation of a part of the immigrant youth has merged with a latent xenophobia into an explosive mixture that is exploited by populists. At the same time there is a real integration deficit, due to a combination of factors, such as language deficits, ghettoisation, broken school careers and discrimination on the labour market. Multiculturalism seems no longer to work, but also the French model of 'assimilation' is in disarray. Governments are looking for new solutions that impose more obligations on (future) migrants. But more restrictive policies do not solve the deeper problem of blocked integration mechanisms.

First day of the seminar

On the first day of the seminar we will compare the different integration strategies of the EU member states and analyse in the workshops the strengths and weaknesses of each approach. What specific measures have been taken in the different countries and what were the results?

Second day of the seminar

On the second day we will discuss the different integration mechanisms, such as the neighbourhhood, school and education, work and the labour market, politics, and the mass media. Why are these mechanisms less effective today? What are the reasons for their dysfunctioning? And what can be done to develop a comprehensive strategy in order to make these old 'vectors of immigration' work again?

For whom is this seminar?

This seminar is meant for all professionals who deal with the integration of migrants and refugees: politicians, civil servants from ministries, local authorities, staff members of NGOs, members of migrants' organisations, scientific researchers, lawyers, journalists.

Hoping meeting you in June in Paris,

Yours sincerely,

Marcel H. van Herpen
Director
The Cicero Foundation