Throughout this mutual learning project, 22 cities gathered in four Communities of Practice (CoP) to exchange good practices and common challenges on migrant integration.

In addition, seven cities have been mentored by more experienced ones to develop and implement concrete action plans.

In a later stage, to promote transnational and sustainable learning, all the lessons learned have been collected in four How-to guides. These documents include guiding principles and roadmaps and illustrate do’s and don’ts through local good practices.

Would you like to learn more? The interactive How-to guides will lead you through the four dimensions of CONNECTION. All the details are available in the sections below.

CoP 1 – How to develop a strategic approach to integration, participation and interaction?

If your city would like to focus on medium and long-term integration, a strategic approach is essential. Enabling active involvement of all city departments can maximise the efficiency of local integration services and policies. Keen to know more? The How to guide and video illustrate all the details.

CoP 2 – How to build a gender dimension into integration policies?

Are your migrant services truly accessible to women? In this how to guide (and video), you can find the tools to learn how to design local integration policies and activities that consider the needs of migrant women and directly involve them.

CoP 3 – How to build pathways to employment for migrants?

Bringing accessibility to the labour market for migrants means cities can benefit from a new source of labour, which supports local industry. If you would like to learn how your city can support migrant communities in integrating in the labour market, you can find all the information in the video and the how-to guide.

CoP 4 – How to design one-stop-shops as an integrated response to integration needs?

Adopting a one-stop-shop (OSS) model allows migrants to access multiple specialised services supporting their integration, all under one roof. This how to guide (and video) provides you with the tools to design and set up such a service in your city. Having such a service operational has proven to be of great support to cities welcoming significant numbers of refugees coming from Ukraine.

Building on the results of CONNECTION, UNITES is developing an approach focused on improving integration outcomes by co-designing integration strategies with stakeholders, citizens and migrants themselves. This project involves eight European cities and raises awareness of the positive impact of a “whole of society approach”.