The European migration governance landscape is lacking a localized approach – where municipalities are empowered to engage in the decision on receiving people seeking protection in the EU. Re:Match tests an algorithmic model where dynamic municipal capacities and local circumstances are matched with individual protection seekers’ needs and personal preferences. The two main effects of the matching are: it allows for the best possible fit of protection seekers and municipalities, thus paving the way into a shared future. Also, it allows municipalities to have a greater say in the process and thereby supports an efficient allocation of their scarce resources.
The initial results show that the idea works, as both, matched and relocated protection seekers and their receiving match municipalities appreciate the effects and advantages such an approach entails. This is the first step in the direction of a more equitable distribution process and effectively to improved integration outcomes.
In 2023, Re:Match matched and relocated 78 displaced Ukrainians from Poland to 6 German municipalities. Together with one of these municipalities, we want to discuss what the Re:Match model exactly looks like, its potential, and the next steps in 2024. We are looking forward to hearing from your experiences with the reception of protection seekers. If you are interested in becoming a part of our project, we are happy to answer all questions.
“Supporting refugees through digital streetwork: The „Social Media Bridge“ as part of Berlin’s network for the right to stay”
Digital Streetwork is a counselling approach from Minor – project office for education and research in which multilingual information and initial counselling аre provided in social media spaces, which are set up by the refugee communities themselves. With this approach, Berlin is responding to the challenge of reaching those target groups that have not yet been reached by local networks.The focus of this “Social Media Bridge” project is on supporting refugees in their job search and promoting their integration into the labour market in line with their qualifications. The first project results show: digital streetwork proves to be successful!
The project is a part of the Berlin Bridge network, an association of NGOs and the Commissioner of the Berlin Senate for Integration and Migration. The Bridge network supports refugees in the labour market and is funded by the European Social Fund Plus and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs.
As part of the C4R event, representatives of the Commissioner of the Berlin Senate for Integration and Migration and “Social Media Bridge” will share an insightful presentation about the project and its results - including a demonstration of its digital streetwork methods. Afterwards, there will be time to exchange experiences in the field of digital streetwork and to discuss the potential of such approaches.
“From the EU to the CSOs: Zagreb’s experience with funding integration activities”
Cities handle the lions share when it comes to migrant and refugee reception and integration. They are responsible for providing different social services as health care, childcare, education, or language courses. Yet, they are often short in funding. What are the possibilities for cities to access EU funding for integration activities? Zagreb will share with us its experience about funding city's activities as well as activities of CSOs through EU projects or the own city budget. We will then open the room to share experiences, ideas, and other best practices.
“Accommodation in context-sensitive asylum centers: Utrecht’s Plan Einstein Overvecht”
Utrecht has developed a new model of “context-sensitive asylum centres” that are more inclusive in approach and work to benefit refugees and other neighbouring residents alike. In the pilot project, young locals and refugees shared “free” spaces and common areas. The goal of this was to integrate the asylum centre more fully within the neighbourhood. Utrecht will share its success story. Afterwards, there will be time to exchange experiences in the field of accommodation.
“Becoming local: Villeurbanne’s citizen card for all city inhabitants”
Since the end of the 19th century, Villeurbanne has been built on the successive arrivals of people who "came from elsewhere and became local". Continuing the city’s long history of welcome and hospitality, Villeurbanne together with local associations created a “Local Citizenship Card", giving holders easier access to rights and services. With this card, Villeurbanne pursues the goal of better welcoming and including the city's residents, as well as those who work, study, get involved or take part in activities. In this breakout session, Villeurbanne and ANVITA (tbc) present the “Local Citizenship Card”, share their learnings from the development process and invite everyone to a fruitful discussion about experiences with and potentials of local citizenship cards.
