ICERAS

Parliamentary Assembly

1. The Assembly is alarmed by the fact that migration into Europe in the last decade triggered numerous
   negative reactions, fuelled by a public discourse inducing fear and resentment towards people arriving from
   other countries. The term “integration” identifies a dynamic process of mutual adaptation where both migrants
   and host societies bear some responsibilities in its fulfilment. Integration is a long-term investment in human
   capital. The ultimate aim is inclusion or an inclusive participation from both sides, which implies that all
   members of the society have the opportunity to participate in social, cultural and political life, encouraging a
   sense of togetherness.
2. The process of integration may demand special enabling measures to develop the ability of immigrants
   to achieve the same social and economic outcomes as natives, taking into account their characteristics. The
   Assembly notes that host countries benefit from the successful integration of migrants and refugees.
   Successful integration benefits the whole society, maximising the advantages for all parties involved in that
   process. Although the state has to invest money in integration, when the migrants arrive and a few years after,
   their macroeconomic impact becomes positive as they become permanent residents, are integrated in the
   labour market and pay taxes. Migrants and refugees boost the working-age population, arrive with skills, and
   therefore contribute to human capital development and to technological progress. Furthermore, local
   communities can benefit greatly from the richness offered by the diversity of cultures, commitment to work
   hard to build a future for oneself and one’s family, and the new social contract that clarifies the rights and
   responsibilities of all actors in society. READMORE