What is the Handbook on Integration?

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MPG acts as independent consultant to the European Commission (JLS) for the drafting of a Handbook on Integration for policy-makers and practitioners. The first edition was published in November 2004. Publication of the second edition is foreseen for September 2006.

The Handbook on Integration acts as a driver for exchange of information and best practice, and enables the development and promotion of policy initiatives. It is a collaborative product of the European Commission, the National Contact Points on Integration, and MPG as independent consultant, all of whom can be seen as "editors" of the Handbook.

The production process is as follows:

• Desk research
• Issues papers setting out the key questions to be discussed at the technical seminars
• Technical seminars
• Concluding documents drawing out key lessons learned as well as good practice examples
• Handbook chapters

The first edition of the Handbook was based on the outcomes of a series of technical seminars held in Copenhagen (February 2004), Lisbon (April 2004) and London (June 2004). The chapter headings are 'Introduction of newly arrived immigrants and recognised refugees', 'Civic participation', and 'Indicators'. The Handbook also includes an annex on 'Translating policies into programmes'.

The first edition of the Handbook was presented at the Dutch Presidency's Ministerial Conference on Integration in Groningen on 9-11 November 2004. It has since been translated into Spanish, Catalan, Portuguese, Czech and German; a translation into Italian is currently being completed. 

The second edition of the Handbook addresses issues related to housing and urban issues, access to services, labour market and economic integration, mainstreaming, and integration infrastructure, and will be based on technical seminars in Tallinn (May 2005), Rome (July 2005), Dublin (October 2005), Berlin (December 2005) and Madrid (March 2006).

The overarching theme of both Handbook editions is Governance, in terms of:

• Different levels of governance: the local, regional, national and European dimensions of integration.
• Different governmental and non-governmental actors: social partners, service providers, immigrant associations and support groups, advocacy groups, and others.

Although the Handbook covers a number of topics, certain key concepts can be identified that recur throughout the discussions at technical seminars and meetings of the National Contact Points on Integration.

These key concepts are:

• Engagement
• Dialogue and negotiation
• Active citizenship
• Competence
• Equality
• Access
• Justice and security

The Justice and Home Affairs Council of 1-2 December 2005 adopted "Integration Conclusions" mentioning the Handbook. The Council "invites the Network of National Contact Points on Integration, supported by the Commission, to continue developing the 'Handbook on integration for policy-makers and practitioners'. In order to utilise fully the successful exchange of experience and best practice, the Council calls for a wide and accessible dissemination of this Handbook, adapted to the intended audience." (p.37) 

The Handbook 2004 is available here in Catalan, Czech, English, German, Portuguese and Spanish