How do regions within the EU vary in terms of migrant integration policies? The REGIN Comparative Report is out now
In partnership with the Barcelona Centre for International affairs (CIDOB), Migration Policy Group (MPG) has published the ‘REGIN Indicators Comparative Report’. The report provides a comparative analysis of integration models in 25 regions, offering insights into how regions across the EU vary in their approach to migrant integration and inclusion.
What is the REGIN project?
The Regions for Migrants and Refugee Integration (REGIN) project has been created to mainstream migrant and refugee integration within social cohesion policies at the regional level. It builds upon existing sets of integration indicators from the Migrant Integration Policy Index (MIPEX), previously produced by CIDOB and MPG, to measure the effectiveness of integration policies at the regional level.
Why does this report – and the REGIN project in general – matter?
REGIN arises from the recognition of the need for an evaluation framework in the field of migrant and refugee integration that is applicable to the regional level and that is based on empirical evidence. To this end, CIDOB and MPG have developed the first set of indicators in Europe that analyses integration governance and outcomes at a regional level.
The set of indicators – referred to as MIPEX-R – helps to identify strengths and weaknesses of regions’ governance models of integration. In doing so, it offers evidence-based knowledge through which concrete policy guidelines can be developed and migrant integration can be fostered at a regional level.
What does MIPEX-R measure?
MIPEX-R measures and evaluates the regional governance of integration focusing on i) the elements of the governance system (i.e. actions, actors and relations, and resources); ii) the phases of the governance process (formulation, policy-output, implementation, evaluation); iii) the main-areas of integration (i.e. culture and religion, education, health, housing, language, labour market, and social security); and iv) two target-populations (i.e., TCNs and BIPs).
Which regions are included in the report?
The analysis covers 25 European regions of seven EU Member states: Azores (POR), Bavaria (GER), Berlin (GER), Campania (ITA), Catalonia (SPA), Emilia-Romagna (ITA), Flanders (BEL), Friuli-Venezia Giulia (ITA), Lisbon (POR), Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania (GER), Melilla (SPA), Murcia (SPA), Navarre (SPA), Basque Country (SPA), Apulia (ITA), Skäne (SWE), South Tyrol (ITA), Tyrol (AUS), Trento (ITA), Valencia (SPA), Västra Götaland (SWE), Veneto (ITA), Vienna (AUS), Vorarlberg (AUS) and Wallonia (BEL).
What are the key findings of the Comparative Report?
In terms of the regional governance of integration, MIPEX-R indicators highlight considerable variation among the 25 cases analysed. Only a few regions have highly developed, solid, and well-structured models of integration. In the majority of the cases, migrants lack opportunities and means in several key-areas of integration
MIPEX-R have detected crucial gaps in key areas of integration, such as language, the labour market, and housing. The area in which migrants can enjoy most favourable conditions of integration is that of health.
Regional integration models appear to be generally less developed and prepared for Beneficiaries of International Protection (BIPs) integration than for Third Country Nationals (TCNs).
What was MPG’s role?
As a partner in the REGIN project, MPG co-authored the report. The report constitutes one of several project deliverables provided by MPG. Additionally, as one of the original organisations behind MIPEX (in addition to CIDOB), MPG provided the pre-existing framework from which MIPEX-R – the set of indicators used for the REGIN project – was developed.
About the Migration Policy Group (MPG)
MPG is an independent think-and-do-tank based in Brussels. MPG’s purpose is rooted in its ability to inspire networks to provide evidence-based projects, research and campaigns in the areas of integration, migration and anti-discrimination.