LEVEL 2. EXPLORE BEST PRACTICE

Introduction

The Local Alliance for Integration of Non-EU Nationals (LION) is a participatory and collaborative AMIF project which aims to facilitate the integration of Third Country Nationals (TCNs) and empower them so as to participate fully and effectively in the integration process.

The Challenge

What social issue does it address?

The LION project was inspired as a response to the sharp rise of migrant arrivals to Europe since 2015. Upon arrival, newcomers experience a range of barriers to integration, which can prevent them from accessing education, obtaining employment and meaningful participation and inclusion in the European societies (especially in the countries of first reception). Discrimination can also affect their sense of isolation, leading them to marginalization and exclusion or delaying their integration into the hosting countries. The Northern Greek region saw an enormous increase in the number of TCNs post-2015. According to data provided by the Greek Ministry of Migration Policy and UNHCR, over 60,000 TCN members arrived in the region between 2015 and 2017.

Why is it important?

According to several reports by the European Commission and local NGOs, the structural inequalities that the Southern European countries exhibit in migrants' and refugees' integration, are a perpetuating policy element which affect both newcomers and TCNs living in the EU for a long time. Among the integration barriers that migrants face are challenges in accessing rights to health, recognition of qualifications and experience gained outside of the EU and participation in civic life, which undermine social cohesion within the EU societies as a whole.

How does it contribute to the BRIDGE Challenge?

The LION project aligns with A1 Challenge because it focuses on the implementation of innovative methods and tools to support the integration of a large number of Transnational Civic Networks (TCNs) into civil society and political processes in Greece. The inclusion and equitable participation of TCNs into the hosting societies enhances social cohesion and addresses the root causes of structural and intersectional discrimination.

How does it work?

The project involved the creation of a collaborative local network consisting of TCNs and relevant local government institutions, NGOs and civil society organisations in Greece. It organized Info Days, thematic debates and follow-up consultations with institutions in order to gain better knowledge, good practices and organize collective actions for TCNs integration into the local society.

What might inspire you?

Ideas for adaptation

1. Introduces a scalable, participatory model that could be transferred to other cities
2. Contributes to the empowerment of TCNs through skills development
3. Enables the TCN's inclusion in the decision-making process
4. Enhances social cohesion in the hosting countries

Resources created