Starting from the fact that integration requires mutual accommodation between host society and newcomers, the Diversity and Equality in European Cities project (DIVE) implemented 3 stands of activities:

• Design a set of 4 benchmarks with regard to the 4 key responsibilities of cities in promoting mutual accommodation: municipalities as policy-makers, employers, service providers and buyers of goods and services.
• Develop and pilot a peer-review tool adapted to these benchmarks and use this tool to carry out empirical research on local integration policies through peer-reviews in 4 major European cities (Berlin, Rome, Amsterdam and Leeds), involving senior city officials with relevant responsibilities. Experiences were compiled in the DIVE Benchmark Report and shared with actors across Europe.
• Continue the Integrating Cities policy dialogue between local authorities and European institutions on integration governance, by organising 2 high-level conferences (Berlin 2009 and London 2010) and developing and presenting a Cities charter on the role of local government in the integration of migrants.

DIVE capitalised on the results and lessons learned from the INTI-Cities project, and was again co-managed by MPG, Eurocities and the consultancy group ethical partnership.

This project was co-financed by the European Commission’s Fund for the Integration of Third-country Nationals.