Contacts with Diasporas and Diaspora Organisations as a Key to a Successful Migrant Integration Policy in the EU

Abstract

We analyse European Commission and European Parliament documents - directives, communications, conclusions, recommendations - and best practices for EU member states' international projects focusing on migrant integration in both the EU states and the countries of origin. Special emphasis is placed on the role of diasporas and the efforts taken by the EU to involve them in the integration process. We stress the need for a new supranational EU immigration and integration policy, in view of new migration trends and the so-called migrant crisis. The study shows that the EU integration policy is directed towards both migrants and host countries and the countries of origin. Since the early 2010s, the involvement of various diaspora organisations in the implementation of the EU migrant integration policy has significantly increased. An analysis of completed projects shows that diasporas have a potential of becoming a key actor in the EU integration policy. We suggest expanding the list of the objectives of the national integration policy of the EU countries. This may be achieved by boosting efforts to reduce the gap in the socio-economic development of the host countries and the countries of origin, particularly, by promoting multilateral cooperation with diaspora organisations.