The integration
of newcomers
by EU member states

• Gwendolyn Rutten – Deputy Minister-President of the Government of Flanders and Flemish Minister for Home Affairs, Public Governance, Civic Integration and Equal Opportunities
• Michael Shotter – Deputy Director-General in charge of Horizontal Affairs & Migration - DG Home Affairs and Migration (HOME) – European Commission
• Jeroen Windey – Administrator-General of Agency of Home Affairs – Government of Flanders

Ministers and high-level officials representing states, regions and international institutions in and outside the EU discuss the main building blocks of resilient policies for successful integration of newcomers in host societies.

• Meghan Benton – Director of the International Programme - Migration Policy Institute
• Kaare Dybvad Bek – Minister for Immigration and Integration - Denmark
• Reem Alabali Radovan - Minister of State to the Federal Chancellor and Federal Government Commissioner for Migration, Refugees, and Integration – Germany
• Martin Kienl – Director-General for Integration, Office of Religious Affairs and Ethnic Groups – Federal Chancellery of Austria
• Michael Shotter – Deputy Director-General in charge of Horizontal Affairs & Migration - DG Home Affairs and Migration (HOME) – European Commission
• Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer - State Councilor for Social Affairs and Youth - Upper Austria (Austria)
• Fabrizio Rossi – Secretary-General – Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR)
• Bart Somers – Mayor of Mechelen – Flanders (Belgium)

Ministers and high-level officials representing states, regions and international institutions in and outside the EU showcase innovative policies fostering inclusion, upholding national norms and values, and recognising the pivotal role of an actively engaged host society, including buddy and networking initiatives.

• Ola Henrikson - Regional Director for EEA, EU and NATO - International Organization for Migration (IOM)
• Kjetil Vevle - Secretary of State for Integration at the Ministry for Labour and Social Inclusion - Norway
• Ana Catarina Mendes - Minister in the Cabinet of the Prime Minister and for Parliamentary Affairs - Portugal
• Baroness Penn - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Minister for Housing and Communities) – United Kingdom
• Eda Silberg – Undersecretary for Cultural Diversity at the Ministry of Culture – Estonia
• Tània Verge – Regional Minister of Equality and Feminism – Catalunya, Spain
• Nerea Melgosa – Regional Minister of Equality, Justice, and Social Policies – Basque Country, Spain
• Mike Connolly – Deputy-Director Operations Homes for Ukraine Scheme – Wales, UK
• André Sobczak – Secretary-General - Eurocities

Ministers and high-level officials representing states, regions and international institutions in and outside the EU share policies and strategies for labour market integration. Emphasis is placed on expediting labour market accessibility, meaningfully considering language acquisition and skills development, and effectively engaging employers and other key stakeholders.

• Johan Pehrson – Minister for Employment and Integration - Sweden
• Sofia Voultepsi – Deputy Minister of Migration and Asylum in charge of Integration - Greece
• Catherine Scott - Assistant Deputy Minister of Settlement, Integration and Francophone Affairs - Canada
• Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer - State Councilor for Social Affairs and Youth - Upper Austria (Austria)
• Andriana Sukova - Acting Director-General of DG Employment, Social Affairs & Inclusion – European Commission
• Antje Grotheer – Member and rapporteur CIVEX (Commission for Citizenship, Governance, Institutional and External Affairs) – European Committee of the Regions
• Thomas Liebig - Senior Migration Specialist in the International Migration Division – OECD

What exactly does an integration programme entail? Immerse yourself in the Flemish integration trajectory: learn Dutch, participate in social orientation courses, find a job and befriend a buddy.

This sessions centres on second language acquisition with three objectives: understanding current research, applying it in practice, and exploring uncharted areas. Discuss along with experts the link between language and broader literacy skills, emphasising the role of cross-policy approaches and partnerships in creating effective language learning opportunities.

Labour market integration is consistently adapting to new insights. This session explains the evolution of labour market integration services, highlighting innovative methods and cases.

Discuss how data and evidence are used to develop policies, and how policies and results can be communicated to a broader public in an engaging manner.

What exactly does an integration programme entail? Immerse yourself in the Flemish integration trajectory: learn Dutch, participate in social orientation courses, find a job and befriend a buddy.

Several studies show that psychological and psychosocial problems are more prevalent among people with a migrant background. The session aims to discuss research findings, causes, and solutions to improve their well-being and civic integration through tailored support.

This workshop delves into the crucial topic of integration of newcomers amidst crises like the conflict in Ukraine and the Covid-19 pandemic, discussing strategies and practical solutions.

What exactly does an integration programme entail? Immerse yourself in the Flemish integration trajectory: learn Dutch, participate in social orientation courses, find a job and befriend a buddy.

How can digitalisation lead to the (r)evolution of integration policies? In a world that is becoming increasingly digital, we are challenged to redesign our service model. In this session, discover how to make strategic choices and develop digital services that are safe, scalable, future-proof and, above all, customer-oriented.

Starting in 2023, the participation trajectory is a new requirement in the Flemish integration process for newcomers, involving 40 hours of activities to expand their social network and practice Dutch. Learn more about how this new trajectory is organised and tailored to meet newcomers’ needs.

People do not only learn a language in the classical school set-up but also by practicing outside the classroom. Embark on a boat tour and learn how to organise such informal language practice opportunities along the way.

How do newcomers find their way around a new city? Join a newcomer and local buddy in Mechelen and witness the value of buddy systems for the integration of newcomers into city life.

People do not only learn a language in the classical school set-up but also by practicing outside the classroom. Embark on a boat tour and learn how to organise such informal language practice opportunities along the way.

Join us in creating a supportive learning environment that goes beyond language skills, fostering personal growth and community engagement. Your visit is more than just an observation; it's a unique opportunity to be part of a movement that empowers individuals for a brighter future, with the chance to connect directly with our inspiring students. We offer various visits, which will introduce you to:

• the learning journey of deaf newcomers acquiring proficiency in both Dutch and Flemish Sign Language;
• tailored-made classes for those facing literacy challenges and those who learn at a slower pace (Social courses, AVA modules, and Waystage 2); or
• integrated healthare and nursing trainings with personalised Dutch language support (ChildXtra Programme) and uniquely combined childcare worker training, working with babies and toddlers, built into Dutch language courses (KinderXtra Programme).

This visit requires a short trip by bicycle or on foot.