The European Commission presented on 24 November the Action plan on Integration and Inclusion for the period of 2021-2027.
As emphasised by the Commission in the new Pact on Migration and Asylum, successful integration and inclusion is an essential part of a well-managed and effective migration and asylum policy. Recognising the important contribution of migrants to the EU, the new action plan is built on the principle that inclusive integration requires efforts from both the individual and the host community. The plan sets out new actions that build on the achievements of the previous action plan from 2016.
The key areas of action are: inclusive education and training from early childhood to higher education (focusing on facilitating the recognition of qualifications and continued language learning), improving employment opportunities and skills recognition to fully value the contribution of migrant communities (women in particular), promoting access to health services (including mental healthcare) for people with a migrant background and access to adequate and affordable housing.
The plan complements existing and upcoming EU strategies to foster equality and social cohesion such as; the European Pillar of Social Rights and the EU’s anti-racism action plan; the EU Roma strategic framework for equality, inclusion and participation; the Gender Equality Strategy 2020-2025; the LGBTIQ equality strategy 2020-2025 and the forthcoming strategy to combat antisemitism.
For more information, see the Action Plan on Integration and Inclusion 2021-2027 factsheet.